In a rapidly transforming world where technology and innovation dominate every sector, including agriculture, there is a growing recognition that progress need not come at the cost of tradition. As the climate crisis deepens and food systems across the globe come under pressure, India’s rich heritage of traditional and organic farming is not just a legacy to preserve—it is a solution for the future.
At a time when environmental sustainability, nutritional security, and rural livelihoods are converging as national priorities, the government has taken a visionary stance by integrating traditional agriculture into its broader agenda of Atmanirbhar Bharat and Viksit Bharat. This progressive yet rooted approach underscores a timeless truth: our future lies in our roots.
Why Traditional Agriculture Still Matters
Traditional agriculture is based on low-input, biodiversity-rich, ecologically resilient systems that are deeply in tune with local environments. These practices rely on indigenous knowledge, organic inputs, and natural soil regeneration—all of which are increasingly relevant in a world dealing with depleted soils, pesticide-resistant pests, and extreme climate events.
From a climate change perspective, traditional agriculture reduces dependency on synthetic fertilizers and chemical pesticides, thereby cutting greenhouse gas emissions. It protects soil biodiversity, improves carbon sequestration, and helps maintain agro-ecological balance. For a climate-vulnerable country like India, this is not just environmentally sound—it’s a strategic imperative.
A Policy-Driven Revival: Government’s Ground-Level Push
While many countries debate the feasibility of organic and traditional farming, India has already made significant strides through a policy ecosystem that empowers farmers to adopt sustainable practices without compromising on productivity.
Since 2015-16, the government has launched two flagship schemes:
1. Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana (PKVY) – catering to all States/UTs except the North East
2. Mission Organic Value Chain Development for North Eastern Region (MOVCDNER) – specifically for North-Eastern states including Assam
These schemes go beyond mere promotion; they offer end-to-end support—from production and processing to certification, marketing, and capacity building. They uphold the ethos of traditional agriculture while ensuring it is economically viable and market-connected.
Investing in the Farmer, Not Just the Farm
Under PKVY, farmers receive substantial financial assistance of Rs. 31,500 per hectare for three years, with Rs. 15,000 per hectare directly transferred through DBT for organic inputs. In addition, support is provided for marketing, branding, certification, and training—ensuring farmers are equipped not just with materials but with knowledge.
MOVCDNER provides an even more robust support structure for the unique terrain and demographic of the North East—Rs. 46,500 per hectare over three years, which covers FPO formation, seeds, inputs, certification, and training. Till date, over 2 lakh hectares have been brought under organic cultivation in the region, involving 434 FPOs and 2.19 lakh farmers. Assam alone has received Rs. 134.13 crore, benefiting more than 24,000 farmers.
Scaling Up with the National Mission on Natural Farming (NMNF)
Recognising the need to mainstream natural farming beyond pockets, the government launched the National Mission on Natural Farming (NMNF) with an outlay of Rs. 2,481 crore, aiming to cover 7.5 lakh hectares through 15,000 clusters and train over 18 lakh farmers.
The scheme supports farmers with an incentive of Rs. 4,000 per acre per year, alongside access to inputs like Beejamrit, Jeevamrit, and diversified cropping systems. It also envisages the creation of 10,000 Bio-input Resource Centres (BRCs) to ensure a reliable supply of natural inputs.
Training and handholding form the backbone of NMNF, with a network of Krishi Sakhis, Farmer Master Trainers, and ATMA workers providing grassroots support. This inclusive and human-centric approach ensures that no farmer is left behind in the transition.
Strengthening Institutions for Lasting Impact
The commitment to traditional and organic agriculture is not limited to financial assistance. The government has strengthened institutional architecture through:
• National and Regional Centres for Organic and Natural Farming in Ghaziabad, Nagpur, Bangalore, Imphal, and Bhubaneswar
• ICAR’s Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs) delivering frontline demonstrations and awareness drives
• Online awareness campaigns, HRD trainings, and farmer-to-farmer knowledge exchange models
These initiatives ensure that organic and natural farming are scientifically validated, quality controlled, and accessible to all regions, promoting trust and credibility in traditional food systems.
A Call for Coexistence: Innovation Meets Tradition
India’s agricultural future is not a binary choice between high-tech and heritage. It is about coexistence and convergence. Modern tools like satellite mapping, soil health cards, and precision irrigation can enhance the efficiency of traditional practices. Meanwhile, the values of natural farming—respect for nature, minimal input dependency, and community resilience—can humanise the often-mechanized approach of modern agriculture.
By promoting both streams, India is uniquely positioned to lead the world in sustainable agri-innovation, blending scientific rigor with cultural wisdom.
As India marches towards its Viksit Bharat@2047 vision, ensuring food security, farmer prosperity, and environmental sustainability are non-negotiables. Traditional agriculture, once seen as outdated, is today proving to be essential for a resilient and self-reliant India.
The government has not only recognised this but has backed it with vision, investment, and implementation. In doing so, it has empowered farmers to become guardians of biodiversity, champions of climate action, and torchbearers of Indian tradition.
In an era of global uncertainty, the Indian farmer—armed with ancestral wisdom and modern support—may well hold the key to a greener, healthier, and more inclusive world.
