Current Research in Agriculture and Farming (CRAF)
Year : 2025, Volume 6, Issue 5
First page : 31-38
Article doi: : http://dx.doi.org/10.18782/2582-7146.297
Organic and Natural Farming: Current Scientific Perspectives and Future Directions
S. Bharathi1*, J H Kahodariya2, Satish Kumar Sharma3, Naval Kishore Meena4
1Guest Faculty, Department of School of Agriculture and Animal Sciences, Gandhigram Rural Institute, Dindigul, Tamil Nadu -624302 2Deputy Project Director-ATMA, Botad, Department of Agricultural Technology Management Agency (ATMA) 3Junior Scientist (Plant Biochemistry), Regional Horticulture Research Station, Bhaderwah, Sher e Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology Jammu JKUT 180009 4Ph.D. Scholar, Department of Horticulture (Fruit Science), RCA, MPUAT, Udaipur-313001, Rajasthan *Corresponding Author E-mail: mahibharathi461@gmail.com Received: 19.07.2025 | Revised: 27.08.2025 | Accepted: 14.09.2025
ABSTRACT
Organic and natural farming systems have gained significant global attention as sustainable alternatives to conventional agriculture. This review critically examines the current scientific evidence on the environmental, agronomic, and socio-economic performance of organic farming and natural farming systems, including Zero Budget Natural Farming (ZBNF). Meta-analyses indicate that organic systems enhance biodiversity by up to 95%, improve soil organic matter by 7%, and reduce energy use by 19%, though yields remain approximately 20% lower per hectare compared to conventional systems. Natural farming, particularly ZBNF pioneered by Subhash Palekar in India, demonstrates promising results in reducing input costs and improving farmer livelihoods. The global organic market reached €145 billion in retail sales by 2024, with farmland expanding to approximately 99 million hectares worldwide. Future directions include the integration of precision agriculture technologies, climate-smart practices, regenerative approaches, and policy harmonization to bridge the yield gap while maximizing environmental co-benefits.
Full Text : PDF; Journal doi : http://dx.doi.org/10.18782/2582-7146.297
Cite this article:
Bharathi, S., Kahodariya, J. H., Sharma, S. K., & Meena, N. K. (2025). Organic and Natural Farming: Current Scientific Perspectives and Future Directions, Curr. Rese. Agri. Far. 6(5), 31-38. doi: http://dx.doi.org/10.18782/2582-7146.297
