In recent years, Natural Farming and Organic Farming practices in Krishnagiri district have shown a steady upward trend. This positive shift is largely driven by increased public awareness, health consciousness after the COVID-19 pandemic, and continuous efforts by extension agencies to promote sustainable agriculture
Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Food Choices
The Corona pandemic acted as a major turning point in people’s food habits. During and after the pandemic, people became more concerned about health, immunity, and food safety. This led to a growing preference for chemical-free, pesticide-free, and organically produced food. Consumers started understanding the long-term health impacts of excessive chemical residues in food, which increased demand for organic and natural farm produce.
Growing Awareness Among Consumers and Farmers
With rising awareness, people are now ready to pay a better price for organic food, recognizing its nutritional value and health benefits. This change in consumer behavior has motivated farmers to rethink their conventional farming practices. Even though some farmers initially experienced slightly lower yields during the conversion period from chemical farming to organic/natural farming, many of them realized the long-term benefits such as:
✓ Reduced cost of cultivation
✓ Improved soil health
✓ Better water-holding capacity
✓ Sustainable and eco-friendly production
As a result, more farmers are gradually converting from chemical-based farming to natural and organic farming systems
Increase in Area Under Natural and Organic Farming
Earlier, natural farming was practiced only in small pockets and limited areas. Now, the area under natural and organic farming is steadily increasing from low to moderate and further towards higher coverage across villages in Krishnagiri district. Farmers are adopting these practices either on a part of their land initially and later expanding it based on results and confidence.
On-Farm Preparation and Use of Bio-Inputs
A significant development in Krishnagiri district is that farmers are now preparing bio-inputs on their own farms, reducing dependency on external chemical inputs. Commonly prepared and used bio-inputs include:
✓ Vermicompost
✓ Jeevamirtham
✓ Panchagavya
✓ Pootchiviratti (botanical pest repellents)
✓ Other plant- and cow-based formulations
These bio-inputs are applied to crops for nutrient management and pest control. By adopting these practices, farmers are:
✓ Avoiding chemical fertilizers and pesticides
✓ Reducing the number of pesticide spray rounds
✓ Lowering input costs
✓ Protecting beneficial insects and soil microorganisms
Role of Extension Agencies
The growing awareness and adoption of natural and organic farming in Krishnagiri district did not happen overnight. Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK), Department of Agriculture, and Department of Horticulture have played a crucial role in this transformation. Through regular training programmes, field demonstrations, exposure visits, farmer meetings, and on-field guidance, these institutions have:
✓ Created awareness on the ill effects of chemical farming
✓ Demonstrated the preparation and application of bio-inputs
✓ Built confidence among farmers to adopt natural farming technologies
✓ Encouraged sustainable and climate-resilient farming practices
Way Forward
The upward trend in natural and organic farming promotion in Krishnagiri district clearly indicates a shift towards sustainable agriculture. With continued support from extension agencies and increasing consumer demand, natural farming is expected to expand further, ensuring healthy food for consumers, improved income for farmers, and protection of natural resources.