A study on selected schemes and policies promoting natural farming in India

India, with the legacy of the Green Revolution, faces critical agricultural challenges including groundwater depletion, soil degradation, rising farmer indebtedness, and ecological decline due to chemical-intensive farming. Natural farming (NF), also known as zero-budget or ecological farming, has emerged as a sustainable alternative that reduces dependency on synthetic inputs while improving soil fertility, biodiversity, and farmer livelihoods. This paper examines the shift from inorganic to natural farming in India, focusing on government interventions, extension models, and state-led initiatives. Through a comprehensive literature review, policy analysis, and data synthesis across states such as Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Himachal Pradesh, and Gujarat, the study highlights the socio-economic and ecological impacts of NF. Comparative assessment shows that, despite slight yield reductions in some crops, natural farming reduces input costs by up to 40%, enhances resilience, and secures higher price premiums through market linkages. Extension strategies like cluster-based learning, women self-help groups, incentive-linked policies, and digital advisory tools play a pivotal role in scaling natural farming. The paper concludes with actionable recommendations for policy alignment, capacity building, and integration of market ecosystems into NF promotion as a pathway to achieve resilient and sustainable agriculture.