Pathways for Expanding Natural Farming in India

Natural farming is emerging as an alternative approach to conventional agriculture in India because it addresses the intertwined challenges of food security, nutrition, and rural livelihoods. Despite decades of industrial agriculture, smallholder farmers—who produce most of India’s food—have seen little improvement in their lives. High input costs for chemical fertilizers and pesticides, along with market volatility, have left many trapped in debt and poverty. Industrial farming has boosted yields in some regions, but it has not delivered equitable prosperity or sustainable food systems.