Natural Farming: Can Farm-Made Inputs Help Farmers Cut Costs?

Farmers spend a significant part of their money on seeds, fertilisers, pesticides and other crop inputs. Natural farming offers a different approach by encouraging farmers to prepare several inputs from locally available materials. The method aims to reduce dependence on purchased agricultural inputs while maintaining soil health and crop production.

The National Mission on Natural Farming promotes chemical-free farming based on locally available resources. The government has approved the mission with an outlay of ₹2,481 crore for the period from 2024–25 to 2025–26, with implementation continuing through farmer groups, clusters and training programmes.

What Farmers Use In Natural Farming

Natural farming systems commonly use inputs such as Beejamrit for seed treatment and Jeevamrit as a microbial formulation applied to soil or crops. Farmers prepare these inputs using materials such as cow dung, cow urine, pulse flour, jaggery and water, following recommended methods.

Beejamrit is used to treat seeds before sowing. The treatment is intended to protect seeds from certain soil-borne pathogens and support early plant establishment. Farmers should follow locally recommended preparation and application methods rather than assuming that every homemade mixture will produce the same result.

Jeevamrit is prepared as a fermented mixture and used as a soil or crop input. Natural farming programmes promote such preparations as part of a broader system that includes mulching, diversified cropping, moisture conservation and reduced dependence on external inputs.

The method is not simply about replacing chemical fertiliser with one homemade mixture. Natural farming is a package of practices. Soil cover, crop diversity, biomass recycling and careful water management are important parts of the approach and need to be considered together.

The government has set a target to bring 7.5 lakh hectares under Natural Farming during the initial implementation of the National Mission on Natural Farming. More than 17 lakh farmers had been enrolled under the mission by January 2026, according to the Agriculture Ministry.

Can Natural Farming Reduce Input Costs?

One reason farmers consider natural farming is the possibility of reducing spending on external inputs. When farmers produce some inputs themselves, they may reduce purchases of certain fertilisers or crop-protection products. The actual saving depends on the crop, farm size, labour availability and local input prices.

Farm-made inputs still require labour and materials. Farmers need cow dung, cow urine, biomass and other ingredients, as well as time to prepare and apply the formulations. A cost comparison should include this labour instead of treating homemade inputs as completely free.

Natural farming can also encourage farmers to recycle materials already available on the farm. Crop residues, livestock waste and other organic material can be managed as part of the farm system. This can reduce waste while returning organic matter to agricultural land.

The approach can be particularly relevant for small farms where purchased inputs account for a large share of cultivation costs. Farmers can test the method on a small plot first and compare input expenses, labour, crop growth and yields with their existing practice.

The government has also created a network of Bio-Input Resource Centres under the natural farming mission. These centres are intended to provide farmers with access to natural farming inputs and support their production and use.

What About Soil And Climate?

Natural farming places strong emphasis on soil cover and organic matter. Mulching can reduce direct exposure of soil to heat and rainfall, while organic material can contribute to soil structure and moisture retention. These practices can become useful during periods of high temperature or irregular rainfall.

Climate-resilient agriculture needs to consider how farms manage water and soil during extreme weather. A soil surface protected by crop residues or other suitable mulch can lose less moisture than exposed soil under some conditions. The effect depends on the material, climate and crop.

Diversification can also reduce climate risk. Farmers can combine crops with different water requirements and growth periods instead of depending entirely on one crop. The right combination depends on local climate, soil, markets and available irrigation.

The National Mission on Natural Farming links natural farming with resource conservation and healthier soils. It also promotes livestock integration, local inputs and diversified cropping. These practices can reduce dependence on external inputs while making better use of resources already available on farms.

Farmers should still monitor soil fertility. Natural farming does not mean that crops no longer need nutrients. Nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium and other nutrients leave fields when farmers harvest crops. These nutrients need to be replenished through suitable organic sources and other recommended practices.

How Farmers Can Start

Farmers interested in natural farming can begin with a small area instead of changing the entire farm. They can record the amount spent on seeds, fertiliser, pesticides, labour and irrigation and compare those costs with a natural farming plot.

The nearest Krishi Vigyan Kendra or agriculture department can provide information about natural farming practices suitable for the local area. Farmers can also join a natural farming cluster where training and peer learning are available.

Farmers who prepare their own inputs should follow tested recipes and recommended application rates. More input does not necessarily mean better results. Clean water, suitable containers, correct ingredients and proper fermentation conditions can affect the quality of farm-made preparations.

Livestock can also support the system. Farmers with cattle may have access to dung and urine that can be used in permitted farm-made inputs. This creates a link between crop and livestock activities and can reduce the need to purchase some materials.

Farmers should also check the market before changing production practices. If they plan to sell produce as organic or under another certified label, they need to follow the relevant certification and labelling requirements. Natural farming and certified organic farming are not automatically the same thing.

The biggest question is whether the practice works under your farm conditions. A method that performs well in one region may need changes elsewhere because soils, rainfall, crops and market conditions differ.

Natural farming can offer farmers another way to manage input costs and soil resources. Its results should be judged through actual farm records rather than claims alone. Start small, measure costs and yields, and seek local technical advice before expanding across the entire farm.