02/11/2026
ICAR Advancing Natural Farming through Farmer-Led Demonstrations!
Three farmers. Three acres. Encouraging results! In Dhamtari, Chhattisgarh, ICAR-led model farms under the National Mission on Natural Farming (NMNF) are demonstrating the potential of diversified, low-external-input farming for sustainable agriculture.
ICAR is promoting these demonstrations through intercropping, border crops, crop diversification and ecological pest management.
Meet the participating farmers and their crop yields:
🌾 Shri Thanedra Sahu (Hathband): Chickpea – 1,200 kg/ha
🌾 Shri Veer Singh Sori (Purputi): Field pea – 3,500 kg/ha; Summer moong – 900 kg/ha
🌾 Shri Raman Lal Sahu (Gadadih): Rice – 1,500 kg/ha; Field pea – 1,500 kg/ha
Field observations recorded low insect-pest infestation (3–4%) and disease incidence (2–4%).
Through scientific monitoring and farmer-to-farmer learning, ICAR is advancing practical, locally adapted Natural Farming approaches for improved soil health and ecological sustainability.
Are you a farmer interested in Natural Farming? Explore these practices, learn from fellow farmers and take the first step towards a more diversified and sustainable farming system!
Shivraj Singh Chouhan Ministry of Agriculture & Farmer’s Welfare, Government of India Press Information Bureau - PIB, Government of India
