This book explores the principles and practices essential for cultivating crops in harmony with nature. This book provides a comprehensive understanding of sustainable agricultural techniques that enhance soil fertility, conserve water, and promote biodiversity without relying on synthetic inputs. It emphasizes the significance of selecting appropriate crops and varieties suited to natural farming conditions, ensuring resilience against climatic variations. With a strong focus on traditional wisdom and indigenous knowledge, the book highlights time-tested methods for soil enrichment, seed selection, and crop establishment. It delves into innovative approaches for managing irrigation, optimizing plant populations, and implementing effective weed control strategies using natural interventions. Nutrient management practices that support long-term soil health are discussed in detail, along with the crucial role of pulses and legumes in maintaining ecological balance. A holistic perspective on pest and disease management in natural farming is presented, integrating biological and cultural practices to minimize external inputs. The book also outlines sustainable farming techniques that enhance climate resilience, ensuring productivity and environmental sustainability. Designed as a valuable resource for farmers, researchers, and agricultural practitioners, this work serves as a guide to implementing natural farming principles for improved crop health and yield.
Dr. Sarthak Pattanayak is currently working as a Subject Matter Specialist (Agronomy) at Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Puri, Odisha University of Agriculture and Technology, Bhubaneswar, Odisha. He was awarded Doctorate in Philosophy (Ph. D) in Agriculture (Agronomy). He has 6 years of experience in this discipline. He has worked as a Principal Coordinator (PI) and Co-PI in several projects of the institution and has undergone exposure visits to many institutes. He has attended many international and national Conferences / Seminars and faculty/ capacity building development and training programmes. He has in his credit several research papers published in reputed international and national journals and also several book chapters, popular articles and other publications.
Mrs. Priyanka Das is currently working as an Assistant Horticulture Officer at the Department of Agriculture and Farmers' Empowerment, Govt. of Odisha. She has ten years of experience in this field. She has attended many international / national Conferences / Seminar and capacity building development and training programmes. She has in her credit several research papers published in several reputed international and national journals and also has several book chapters, popular articles and other publications.
Mrs. Uma Pradhan, presently working as a Programme Assistant (Seed Science &Technology), at Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Nuapada University of Agriculture and Technoloy, Odisha. She started her service career in 2015 and since then she has been actively engaged in different extension activities, field trials, demonstrations at farmer's field, etc. She has published 5 full-length papers, 13 popular articles in different journals and 8 abstracts in national and international journals. She has participated in 4 international conferences/symposia and 5 national conferences/symposia. She is a member of the Society for Ecological Sustainability. She was awarded as Young Women Scientist Award in the year 2022 by 4th International Global Conference on 'Challenges and Opportunities in Agriculture, Horticulture, Environmental, & Biotechnological Science.
Dr. Ajay Kumar Prusty, currently serving as an Associate Professor in the Department of Agricultural Extension Education at the M.S. Swaminathan School of Agriculture, Centurion University of Technology and Management, Odisha. He holds a Ph.D. in Agricultural Extension from OUAT, Bhubaneswar, and specializes in agricultural extension, entrepreneurship development, ICT in agriculture, and evaluation techniques. Dr. Prusty has a robust research background, with numerous publications in national and international journals, and has been granted several patents for his innovative contributions to agricultural technologies. He actively supervises scholars and coordinates extension programs aimed at promoting sustainable agricultural practices. Beyond his academic responsibilities, Dr. Prusty organizes workshops and conferences to enhance knowledge dissemination and empower rural communities. He also serves as an editor and is an active life member of various professional organizations, demonstrating his commitment to advancing agricultural extension and improving rural livelihoods through education, research, and innovative strategies.
1 Introduction to Natural Farming and Crop Management ........................1
2 Criteria for Crop and Variety Selection in Natural Farming .................17
3 Role of Traditional and Indigenous Varieties in Sustainable Agriculture .........................................................................33
4 Climate and Weather Factors Affecting Crop Growth ..........................53
5 Microclimate Management and Weather Adaptation Strategies ...........71
6 Seed Selection, Treatment, and Germination in Natural Farming ........83
7 Sowing Methods, Depth, and Traditional Techniques ..........................97
8 Irrigation Management and Indigenous Water Conservation Practices ........................................................................115
9 Crop Geometry, Plant Population, and Yield Optimization ................129
10 Weed Management Strategies in Natural Farming .............................141
11 Nutrient Management and Soil Health Maintenance ..........................155
12 Role of Pulses and Legumes in Enhancing Soil Fertility ....................177
13 Natural Farming Approaches for Pest and Disease .............................195
14 Package of Practices for Major Crops in Natural Farming .................215
15 Sustainable Farming Practices for Climate Resilience .......................233
