The ill effects of Green Revolution has led the scientists, policy makers and people to think about other alternative approaches. Such an alternate has to be essentially viable to meet the needs of present and future generations. Such one of the most promoted and fascinating approach of present concern is Natural farming, which speaks about growing crops in harmony with nature. This seminar discusses four approaches towards Natural farming, viz., Do Nothing Farming, given by Japanese philosopher Masanobu Fukuoka; Zero Budget Natural Farming (ZBNF) by Subash Palekar; Rishi-Krishi by Mohan Shankar Deshpande and Natueco culture by Sripad Dhablokar. While Do-nothing emphasizes on no tillage, no organic and inorganic fertilizers, no weeding and no dependency on chemicals; ZBNF focuses on natural farming through its so called four pillars, viz., Beejamrita, Jeevamrita, Acchadana and Waaphasa. Rishi Krishi tries to keep the soil alive through the incorporation of rhizospheric soil of Ficus bangalensis. A special cow-based preparation named Amrut Pani is used for various farming practices of Rishi Krishi. Natueco combines nature and ecology through critical scientific methods to gain the highest benefits from the available resources of a farm. It recommends soil rejuvenation through preparations like Amrut Mitti and Amrut Jal. The seminar also focuses on viability of these approaches setting the criteria of sustainability, holistic nature, benefits provided to different sectors of the system and possible food security along with some scope for implementation in North Eastern Region. Finally, it recommends sufficient research experiments, multinational yield trials, demonstrations, trainings, awareness programmes to confirm the viability of the approaches.
Do nothing farming, Masanobu fukuoka, ZBNF, Subash palekar, Rishi krishi, Amrut pani, Natueco, Sripad dhablokar, Amrut mitti, Amrut jal
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