Category: Sustainable Farming • Published: November 2024 • Reading Time: 12 minutes
Andhra Pradesh is leading India's largest natural farming transformation through the Andhra Pradesh Community-managed Natural Farming (APCNF) program. With a target of converting 6 million hectares to chemical-free farming by 2027, this initiative is changing how millions of farmers approach agriculture. Whether you're curious about natural farming or ready to make the transition, this guide provides everything you need to get started.
What is APCNF Natural Farming?
APCNF is based on the principles developed by Padma Shri Subhash Palekar, known as Zero Budget Natural Farming (ZBNF). The approach eliminates external chemical inputs and instead relies on:
- Local Resources: Using farm-generated inputs from cattle, crops, and natural materials
- Biological Processes: Enhancing soil biology rather than feeding plants directly
- Crop Diversity: Multi-cropping and year-round soil cover
- Water Efficiency: Improved soil structure means better water retention
The Four Wheels of Natural Farming
APCNF is built on four foundational practices, often called the "Four Wheels" that drive the system:
1. Beejamrutham (Seed Treatment)
A natural seed coating that protects seeds from soil-borne diseases and enhances germination.
How to Prepare (for 100 kg seeds):
- 5 kg fresh desi cow dung
- 5 liters desi cow urine
- 50 grams lime powder
- A handful of soil from your farm
- 20 liters water
Method: Mix all ingredients thoroughly. Soak seeds for 20 minutes (for small seeds) or coat larger seeds by mixing and drying in shade. Use immediately - don't store treated seeds.
2. Jeevamrutham (Soil Activator)
The most important preparation - a microbial culture that activates soil biology and provides nutrients.
How to Prepare (for 1 acre):
- 200 liters water in a plastic drum
- 10 kg fresh desi cow dung
- 10 liters desi cow urine
- 2 kg jaggery or sugarcane juice
- 2 kg pulse flour (any dal)
- Handful of soil from undisturbed area (forest floor, bund)
Method: Mix all ingredients in water. Cover with cloth and stir twice daily for 48 hours. The mixture will ferment and develop a pleasant smell. Apply within 7 days.
Application: Mix with irrigation water or dilute 200 liters in 1000 liters and spray on soil. Apply every 15 days during crop growth.
3. Mulching (Acchadana)
Covering the soil surface to protect it from sun, retain moisture, and feed soil organisms.
Types of Mulching:
- Straw Mulch: Spread crop residues 3-4 inches thick between rows
- Live Mulch: Grow cover crops between main crop rows
- Soil Mulch: Maintain loose topsoil through minimal tillage
Benefits: Reduces water requirement by 30-50%, suppresses weeds, maintains soil temperature, and feeds earthworms and beneficial organisms.
4. Waaphasa (Soil Aeration)
Maintaining proper air and moisture balance in soil - essential for root health and microbial activity.
How to Achieve:
- Avoid waterlogging - ensure proper drainage
- Practice light irrigation rather than flooding
- Minimize soil compaction by reducing heavy machinery use
- Maintain soil organic matter through continuous mulching
Pest and Disease Management
Natural farming doesn't mean ignoring pests. APCNF uses preventive approaches and natural preparations:
Neemastra (Neem-based Spray)
Ingredients:
- 5 kg neem leaves or 2 kg neem seed kernel
- 5 liters cow urine
- 2 kg cow dung
- 100 liters water
Method: Crush neem leaves, mix with other ingredients, ferment for 48 hours. Filter and spray. Effective against sucking pests like aphids, whiteflies, and jassids.
Brahmastra (Strong Pest Control)
Ingredients:
- 3 kg neem leaves
- 2 kg karanj (pongamia) leaves
- 2 kg custard apple leaves
- 2 kg papaya leaves
- 2 kg guava leaves
- 10 liters cow urine
Method: Boil all leaves in cow urine until reduced to half. Cool, filter, and store. Dilute 2-3 liters in 100 liters water for spraying. Effective against caterpillars, borers, and fruit flies.
Agniastra (For Severe Infestations)
Ingredients:
- 1 kg tobacco leaves or waste
- 500 grams green chilies
- 500 grams garlic
- 5 kg neem leaves
- 10 liters cow urine
Method: Crush all ingredients, mix with cow urine, boil for 5 minutes. Filter after 48 hours. Dilute 1 liter in 100 liters water. Use only for severe pest attacks.
Transitioning from Chemical Farming
The shift from chemical to natural farming requires patience and proper planning:
Year 1: The Transition Year
- Expect 10-20% yield reduction as soil biology recovers
- Start with Jeevamrutham application every 15 days
- Begin mulching practices
- Stop chemical fertilizers completely
- Reduce chemical pesticides gradually, using natural alternatives
Year 2-3: Recovery Phase
- Yields typically return to normal or exceed chemical farming yields
- Soil health improves visibly - more earthworms, better structure
- Water requirement decreases
- Pest pressure often reduces naturally
Year 4+: Established Natural Farm
- Stable yields with minimal inputs
- Significantly lower production costs
- Premium prices for natural produce
- Improved crop quality and taste
Getting Support: APCNF Program Benefits
Farmers transitioning to natural farming under APCNF receive:
- Free Training: Village-level training from master farmers and community resource persons
- Input Support: Subsidies for drums, sprayers, and bio-input preparation
- Technical Guidance: Regular visits from APCNF field staff
- Market Linkages: Help connecting with natural produce buyers
- Farmer Groups: Join local natural farming farmer groups for peer support
How to Enroll
- Contact your local Rythu Bharosa Kendra
- Attend a village-level APCNF awareness meeting
- Register with the local Community Resource Person (CRP)
- Join a natural farming farmer group in your village
Common Concerns Addressed
"Will my yields drop permanently?"
No. While there may be an initial dip, farmers consistently report that yields stabilize and often exceed chemical farming levels by year 3-4. More importantly, your input costs drop dramatically, improving net profit.
"Where do I get desi cow?"
Start with whatever cow you have - the preparations work with any cattle dung and urine, though indigenous breeds are preferred. Many farmers share resources or buy from neighbors.
"Will pests destroy my crop?"
Natural farming builds ecosystem balance over time. While you may face pest challenges initially, the natural preparations are effective, and beneficial insects gradually return to your farm.
"Can I sell at premium prices?"
Yes, but certification helps. APCNF farmers can access Participatory Guarantee System (PGS) certification, which enables premium pricing. Direct marketing through platforms like Jaikisan Marketplace also helps farmers connect with health-conscious buyers.
Sell Your Natural Produce
Growing chemical-free? Connect directly with health-conscious buyers through Jaikisan Marketplace. Natural and organic produce often commands 20-40% premium over conventional prices.
Success Stories
Thousands of AP farmers have successfully transitioned:
"I was spending ₹15,000 per acre on chemicals. Now my input cost is less than ₹2,000, and my paddy yield is actually better. The soil feels alive again." - Ramaiah, Guntur District
"My vegetables taste different now - customers come back asking specifically for my produce. I'm earning more while spending less." - Lakshmi, Krishna District
Getting Started: Your First Steps
- Start Small: Convert one plot or a portion of your land first
- Get a Cow: Even sharing with neighbors works
- Make Jeevamrutham: Begin applying every 15 days
- Stop Burning Residues: Start mulching instead
- Join a Group: Learn from other natural farmers
- Be Patient: Give it at least 2-3 seasons to see full results
Conclusion
Natural farming is not just about avoiding chemicals - it's about working with nature rather than against it. The APCNF program provides a proven pathway with extensive support for farmers willing to make this transition. The benefits extend beyond your farm to your health, your soil, and the environment.
The initial learning curve is real, but so are the rewards: lower costs, healthier produce, and farming that can sustain for generations. Thousands of your fellow farmers in AP have already made this journey - and they're not looking back.