As only a handful of institutions offer structured programmes in this discipline, ICAR directs agri varsities to start UG, PG and PhD courses
In a move to bring natural farming into the formal agricultural education system, the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) recently directed all state and central agricultural universities to introduce undergraduate (UG), postgraduate (PG) and research programmes in this discipline.
So far, natural farming has been taught only as an elective or an undergraduate course in only a few institutions. The directive comes amid growing concerns over declining soil fertility and environmental degradation.
According to ICAR, natural farming offers a low-cost and eco-friendly alternative by relying on natural biological processes instead of the use of chemical ingredients. The move will also help create skilled professionals in sustainable agriculture. RC Agrawal, former director general, ICAR, says, "Only a few institutions currently offer structured courses in natural farming. These include Central Agricultural University, Samastipur; Rani Lakshmi Bai Central Agricultural University, Jhansi; Dr YS Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry, Himachal Pradesh; and Gujarat Natural Farming Science University (GNFSU). ICAR and the government are now encouraging all agricultural universities to introduce similar programmes."
ICAR’s directive follows pilot programmes run over the past two years. Agrawal says that since natural farming is still a new academic area, students and universities were earlier unsure about career prospects. "The new course is being designed within the existing agriculture education framework. Natural farming will be offered as a specialisation just like horticulture or biotechnology. Students will have the same career options as BSc Agriculture graduates, including higher studies, research and extension work," he adds.
The new course will be called BSc (Hons) in Natural Farming and will follow the standard BSc Agriculture degree curriculum. All the core subjects normally taught in conventional agriculture programmes will remain part of the syllabus. However, instead of chemical-based practices, such as chemical fertiliser and pesticide recommendations, the course will emphasise on natural, regenerative, and sustainable agricultural management practices. The course will include core agriculture subjects such as agronomy, soil science, agricultural economics, agricultural extension, plant breeding and genetics, crop physiology, among others.
There is a difference between organic and natural farming. Though organic farming is often seen as a cleaner alternative, it still relies on purchased organic inputs and can have environmental side effects, including methane emissions.
Universities face challenges in expanding select programmes as there is a shortage of trained professionals. CK Timbadia, vice-chancellor, GNFSU, says the demand for trained experts is already higher than the available supply. "Universities need laboratories, demonstration farms and training facilities. There is also a shortage of trained faculty to teach natural farming as a specialised subject. To bridge this gap, ICAR and state governments are slowly focusing on capacity-building initiatives, including faculty training, residential workshops, and the use of community resource persons and master trainers," he says.
While experts say that natural farming alone will not immediately meet the food demands of a huge population, they however feel that it will help improve soil health, lower farming costs, and support long-term sustainability. By formalising natural farming within the higher education ecosystem, ICAR aims to create a new generation of agriculture professionals equipped to support farmers, strengthen extension services, and contribute to India’s food security.
Alpesh A Bhimani, assistant research scientist at GNFSU, says, "The adverse impacts of excessive chemical use are increasingly evident in the form of soil degradation, human health concerns, and chemical residues in food. At the same time, growing consumer awareness and demand for safe, chemical-free produce are reshaping agricultural priorities."
Natural farming has been practised by farmers for years in states such as Gujarat, Maharashtra, and Andhra Pradesh. Bhimani adds that farmers have been using methods that have reported lower costs, better soil health, and increase in yields.
DATE : 27/1/2026
POSTED BY : EDUCATION TIMES
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