🌱 Introduction
In 2025, Indian agriculture is at a major turning point. With rising concerns about soil health, food safety, and environmental impact, farmers and consumers are shifting away from chemical-based farming to organic and natural methods.
But many still ask:
👉 “What is the actual difference between organic, natural, and chemical farming?”
👉 “Which method is better for long-term profits and sustainable agriculture?”
Let’s explore the definitions, key differences, pros and cons, and the future outlook of each method for Indian farmers in 2025.
✅ 1. What is Organic Farming?
Organic farming is a method of agriculture that avoids all synthetic chemicals and uses natural fertilizers, compost, bio-pesticides, and eco-friendly techniques to grow crops.
📌 Key Features:
Certified method (PGS or NPOP certification required)
Use of organic manure, compost, bio-fertilizers
Pest control through neem oil, garlic extract, etc.
Crop rotation and soil management
Popular Crops: Organic wheat, turmeric, vegetables, pulses, basmati rice
✅ 2. What is Natural Farming?
Natural farming, also called Zero Budget Natural Farming (ZBNF), is based on traditional Indian farming techniques. It requires no external inputs—even organic fertilizers.
📌 Key Features:
Completely chemical- and input-free
Use of cow-based inputs like Jeevamrut, Beejamrut
No tilling, no compost, minimal irrigation
High soil regeneration capacity
Popular in: Andhra Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh, Gujarat (through government support)
✅ 3. What is Chemical Farming?
Chemical or conventional farming relies heavily on synthetic fertilizers, pesticides, and hybrid seeds to increase crop yield quickly.
📌 Key Features:
Use of urea, DAP, insecticides, fungicides
Monocropping, intensive ploughing
High water and energy use
Short-term profit, long-term soil damage
Still dominant in many parts of India, especially for cash crops like sugarcane, cotton, and paddy.
✅ Organic vs Natural vs Chemical Farming – Comparison Table
| Feature | Organic Farming | Natural Farming | Chemical Farming |
|---|---|---|---|
| External Inputs | Yes (organic-only) | No external inputs | Yes (synthetic inputs) |
| Certification Needed | Yes (PGS/NPOP) | Not mandatory | Not needed |
| Fertilizers Used | Compost, vermicompost | Jeevamrut, green manure | Urea, DAP, chemical fertilizers |
| Pest Management | Bio-pesticides | Desi cow urine, plant extracts | Synthetic pesticides |
| Cost of Cultivation | Medium | Very Low | High |
| Yield (Short Term) | Medium | Slightly Low initially | High |
| Long-Term Sustainability | High | Very High | Low |
| Government Support | Strong (PKVY, BPKP) | Strong (ZBNF schemes) | Low |
✅ Pros and Cons of Each Farming Type
🌿 Organic Farming
Pros:
High market value
Soil health improves over time
Eligible for export
Cons:
Needs certification
Moderate cost of inputs
Takes time to build soil fertility
🌱 Natural Farming
Pros:
Extremely low cost
Great for small/marginal farmers
Builds soil & biodiversity naturally
Cons:
Slow transition
Limited initial yield
Requires training in traditional methods
🧪 Chemical Farming
Pros:
Immediate high yield
Familiar to most farmers
Scalable on large land quickly
Cons:
Soil degradation
High input costs
Unsafe residues in food and water
✅ Which Farming Method is Best in 2025?
The best method depends on your goals, land size, budget, and market access.
| Goal | Suggested Farming Method |
|---|---|
| Profit with low input cost | ✅ Natural Farming |
| Certified product export | ✅ Organic Farming |
| High short-term yield | ⚠️ Chemical Farming (not sustainable) |
| Sustainable long-term farming | ✅ Natural or Organic Farming |
✅ Government Support in 2025
PKVY – ₹20,000/ha for organic farming (certified)
BPKP – Support for cow-based natural farming
Organic FPO Schemes – Helps in collective selling & certification
Training & KVK Support – Regular sessions across India