Cow-Based Natural Farming in UP

• 31 Dec 2024

Why in News? 

Recently, the Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister stated that cow-based natural farming can boost farmers' incomes by saving Rs 10,000 to Rs 12,000 per acre.  

• He highlighted the substantial collective savings possible if most farmers in the state adopt this practice. 

 Key Points 

• Benefits of Cow-Based Farming: 
  • Reduces agricultural costs while conserving cattle. 
  • Enhances soil, water, and human health over the long term. 
• Current Dependency on Inputs: 
  • Seeds: 
    • Uttar Pradesh produces only half of its seed requirement, importing the rest from other states, especially southern India, at high costs. 
  • Fertilisers: 
    • India relies heavily on imports for fertilisers, particularly urea, phosphates, and potash. 
    • Urea imports alone cost Rs 2,127 crore in 2023–2024. 
      • Exporting nations often hike prices due to India’s high demand. 
• Potential of Cow-Based Natural Farming: 
  • Experts highlight its potential to save foreign currency spent on fertiliser imports. 
  • Uttar Pradesh has 2.78 crore farmers and approximately 2 crore cattle, providing a strong foundation for cow-based farming. 
    • A single cow's dung and urine can support farming on nearly four acres of land. 
• Government Initiatives: 
  • Self-Sustaining Shelters: Cow shelters are being developed as training hubs for cow-based natural farming. 
  • Dedicated Universities: Plans to establish natural farming universities to integrate traditional methods with modern technology. 
  • Financial Assistance: Farmers receive financial support over three years, Rs 4,800 in the first year, Rs 4,000 in the second, and Rs 3,600 in the third. 
    • Grants are also available for cattle sheds and biogas plants. 
  • Product Marketing: Dedicated outlets have been established at divisional headquarters to promote natural farming products. 
    • The government is prioritizing product certification to enhance consumer trust and market credibility. 
• Rising Demand for Organic Products: 
  • Post-Covid, there is greater demand for organic, regionally sourced products. 
  • Research institutions highlight a growing preference for healthier food options with regional flavors. 

 Natural Farming  

• It is a method of agriculture that seeks to create a balanced and self-sustaining ecosystem in which crops can grow without the use of synthetic chemicals or genetically modified organisms. 
  • Instead of relying on artificial inputs like synthetic fertilisers and pesticides, natural farmers rely on techniques like crop rotation, intercropping, and composting to enhance soil health and support crop growth. 
• Natural farming methods are often based on traditional knowledge and practices and may be adapted to local conditions and resources. 
  • The goal of natural farming is to produce healthy, nutritious food in a way that is sustainable and environmentally friendly.