Natural Farming:

• Inputs: Utilizes on-farm resources such as indigenous cow dung, cow urine, jeevamrit, ghanjeevamrit, and beejamrit. No synthetic or external inputs are used.
• Seeds: Prefers local cultivar seeds.
• Cropping System: Encourages intercropping, mixed cropping, and poly cropping systems.
• Pest Control: Uses traditional methods like neemastra and brahmastra.
• Regulations: focus on minimal human intervention and ecosystem mimicry.

however in organic farming Organic Farming:

• Inputs: Uses organic inputs like compost, vermicompost, biofertilizers, and bio-formulations for nutrient supply and plant protection.
• Seeds: Can use high-yielding varieties or hybrid seeds.
• Cropping System: Often involves mono-cropping or mixed cropping systems.
• Pest Control: Relies on biological management and approved organic pesticides.
• Regulations: Must adhere to specific standards and certifications for organic farming

Thanks, Dr. Tripathiji for your answer. Appreciate your detailed information. However, I Have a couple of points to discuss, are the addition of only cow dung, cow urine, jeevamrit, ghanjeevamrit, and beejamrit sufficient to fulfill the requirement of exhaustive/heavy feeder crops?

Further, in the case of organic farming also GM seeds are not allowed. The specific standards or certifications is important for authentication and to avoid malpractices.

Natural farming mainly focused on use of naturally available resources and desi/local inputs like desi cow dung, desi cow urine, desi seeds etc., but in the recent time many interventions are made in natural farming to supply nutrients and management of pest and diseases naturally. Natural farming practices varies from place to place and country to country. In India Subhash Palekar natural farming (SPNF) is very popular and it is mainly based on four principles or pillars that is Beejamrutha, jeevamrutha, Mulching and Waaphasa.

Organic farming is the production system which excludes the use of all synthetic inputs for crop production. In organic farming will be using few organic inputs obtained from plant or animal origin or microbes like manures, composts, biofertilizers animal waste, green manure crops, enriched manures etc. to supply plant nutrients. Organically approved and tested biopesticides and biocontrol agents for management of pest and diseases. Certification agencies exit for certification of your farm and say your produce is organic.

If we see both in details main agenda is to save mother earth and produce chemical free food. As a researcher i say organic farming is much scientific and validated but research gap exist in natural farming, intensive research on natural farming in much required. As a experienced farmers i say combination both the practices is performing well in the field.

Vinu Ramani

he critical difference between organic agriculture and natural agriculture lies in the practical approaches and regulations that define each system.

Key Differences:

• Regulations and Standards: Organic farming is strictly regulated and requires certification, while natural agriculture does not necessarily have formal standards and is often adapted to local conditions.
• Pragmatism and Approaches: Organic farming strictly avoids synthetic chemicals and uses methods that are proven through research, while natural farming emphasizes integration with nature and local ecosystems, often without the need for standardized methods.

In short, organic agriculture is a detailed, regulated system with well-defined practices, whereas natural agriculture takes a broader, more flexible approach that focuses on natural processes without the need for certification.

P. Nagarjun. Thank you very much Dr. Nagarjun for your detailed answer even as an experienced farmer besides an agricultural scientist. I agree, intensive research is much required in NF. A combination of both is good, however, which is relatively better considering the mining of nutrients in the long run in NF and the addition of huge amounts of organic materials in OF. Less addition of nutrients in NF and Huge amounts of organics in OF may lead to an imbalance in soil nutrients in the long run. So, please?

Dragan Ugrinov. Dear Dr Dragan Urginov. Thanks a lot for your thought-provoking submission on the topic. In India, the use Beejamrit, Jeevamrit, crating Vapsa condition, and mixed cropping are the basic principles in the NF The preparation of Jeevamrit, Beejamrit, etc. and its addition to the soil is an intervention of humans?. Further, what is your opinion about a well-defined system and regulations as well as chemical-free certification for the produce from NF?. Once again thank you and regards.

Sir, right now the organic nutrient management practices are done at Research stations, SAU, Agricultural Universities are based on N equivalent basis this is not having any adverse effect on soil. But irrespective dumping of organic inputs may have some adverse effects. My suggestion is bridge between NF and OF can reduce this bulk requirement of organic inputs vise versa . New concept on this need to come sir.

Few research initiatives on this on various crops and multilocation trails are much required.

1. Core Philosophy

• Organic Farming: Focuses on sustainable and eco-friendly agricultural practices using organic inputs like compost, manure, biofertilizers, and biopesticides. It adheres to a structured certification system and often involves external inputs, though they must be organic. Goal: Minimize environmental impact while enhancing soil fertility and ensuring healthy produce.
• Natural Farming: Promotes farming without synthetic or organic external inputs, relying entirely on natural processes and locally available resources. It follows the principle of working with nature, aiming for minimal human intervention in natural ecosystems. Goal: Mimic natural ecosystems to achieve sustainability and self-sufficiency.

2. Use of Inputs

• Organic Farming:Allows external organic inputs such as compost, vermicompost, bone meal, and organic pesticides like neem oil. Certified organic products may include inputs sourced from outside the farm. Often uses organic seeds and crop varieties that may be commercially available.
• Natural Farming:Avoids any external inputs, including organic fertilizers or pesticides. Relies on farm-made inputs like Jeevamrut (a microbial preparation using cow dung, urine, and jaggery) and Bijamrut (seed treatment). Encourages indigenous seeds and traditional crop varieties adapted to the local environment.

3. Soil and Ecosystem Management

• Organic Farming:Enhances soil fertility through composting, green manuring, crop rotation, and mulching. Organic inputs are added to enrich the soil's nutrient content.
• Natural Farming:Focuses on restoring the natural ecosystem of the soil, using practices like mulching, zero tillage, and cover cropping. Relies on symbiotic relationships among soil organisms, plants, and natural resources to maintain soil health.

4. Dependency on Certification

• Organic Farming:Requires adherence to strict certification standards set by organizations like USDA Organic or EU Organic. Involves regular inspections and compliance with regulations.
• Natural Farming:Does not depend on certification or external validation. Promotes farmer-centric, localized, and self-reliant practices.

5. Pest and Disease Management

• Organic Farming:Uses organic pesticides, bio-control agents, and crop rotations to manage pests and diseases. May involve integrated pest management (IPM).
• Natural Farming:Relies on natural pest control mechanisms, companion planting, and ecosystem balance. Promotes biodiversity to reduce pest outbreaks naturally.

6. Economic and Resource Dependency

• Organic Farming:May involve higher initial costs for certification, organic inputs, and seeds. Depends on an organized supply chain for inputs and market access for certified organic produce.
• Natural Farming:Encourages minimal expenditure by utilizing locally available resources. Reduces dependency on external markets and inputs, making it more economically viable for small-scale farmers.

7. Examples

• Organic Farming: Widely practiced in certified organic farms globally; used for export-oriented organic produce.
• Natural Farming: Advocated by practitioners like Masanobu Fukuoka (Japan) and Subhash Palekar's Zero Budget Natural Farming (India).

Sushil Awasthi. Wonderful, appreciated your depth of knowledge and method of explanation even at the student stage. Thank you for your response and congratulations on your efforts. Further, as mentioned by Dr. Dragan Ugrinov, what is your opinion about a well-defined system, regulations, and chemical-free certification for the produce from OF? Is this good or not? And in the case of natural farming, would you please suggest any kind of regulations for the authentication of produce from NF?

Which is more economical and sustainable in the long run?

Regards with thanks.

The major critical differences between organic and natural farming lies within the principles and practices in carrying out the two systems of farming. whiles Organic farming focuses on the use of natural inputs, process, and follows standards set by regulatory bodies. However, Natural farming emphasizes on minimizing human interventions in the farming process to allow natural ecosystems to take control or charge of agricultural practices.

Vinu Ramani A well-defined system, regulations, and certification for organic farming (OF) are highly beneficial as they ensure consumer trust, marketability, and sustainability. Certification guarantees that produce is free from synthetic chemicals and adheres to organic standards, fostering consumer confidence and enabling farmers to access premium markets. It also promotes environmentally sound practices such as biodiversity conservation, soil health maintenance, and water management. Additionally, such standards ensure fair competition by creating a level playing field among producers. However, the certification process can be costly and bureaucratic, especially for small-scale farmers. Simplifying the process and providing financial support can make certification more accessible and inclusive.

For natural farming (NF), which currently lacks universally accepted standards, developing a basic framework to define its principles—such as zero external inputs and the use of local resources—would help authenticate produce. Traceability mechanisms, such as simple record-keeping of farm practices, and affordable certification models like the Participatory Guarantee System (PGS) can enhance trust in NF produce. For larger markets, introducing cost-effective third-party verification systems could further strengthen authenticity while maintaining affordability. Regulations for NF should strike a balance between ensuring authenticity and minimizing the burden on farmers to encourage widespread adoption.

In terms of long-term economic and sustainability perspectives, organic farming generally proves more profitable due to premium pricing and broader market acceptance, though costs related to organic inputs and certification can be a barrier. Natural farming, on the other hand, is highly cost-effective as it eliminates the need for external inputs and reduces dependency on markets, making it particularly attractive to smallholders. However, limited market access and reliance on farmer expertise can constrain its profitability. From a sustainability standpoint, natural farming is more resource-efficient, with minimal environmental impact due to its self-sufficient ecosystem approach and reduced water usage. Organic farming also promotes sustainability but can sometimes strain local ecosystems due to reliance on external organic inputs.

Overall, organic farming tends to be more economically viable in the short to medium term, while natural farming excels in long-term sustainability. A hybrid approach, integrating the best practices of both systems, could balance economic feasibility with ecological resilience, ensuring both profitability and sustainability for farmers.

In natural farming, neither chemical nor organic fertilizers are added to the soil. In fact, no external fertilizers are added to soil or given to plants whatsoever. In natural farming, decomposition of organic matter by microbes and earthworms is encouraged right on the soil surface itself, which gradually adds nutrition in the soil, over the period. In organic farming, organic fertilizers and manures like compost, vermicompost, cow dung manure, etc. are used and added to farmlands from external sources. Organic farming still requires basic agro practices like plowing, tilting, mixing of manures, weeding, etc. to be performed.

Здравствуйте! В системе сертификации. Например навоз и в том и в другом случае натуральное удобрение, но если сертифицировать конечный продукт, то потребуется навоз с органической фермы.

Organic farming uses organic inputs such as manures, compost and biopesticides prepared by humans, whereas natural farming relies on natural processes with minimal human interventions. The latter relies on a natural ecosystem to manage soil health, pests, and diseases.