ICAR urges universities nationwide to introduce full natural farming courses

ICAR has called on agricultural universities across the country to introduce full-fledged undergraduate, postgraduate, and research programs in natural farming, expanding the subject beyond its current limited presence in higher education.

In a letter sent to vice chancellors of state and central agricultural universities, as well as institutions with agriculture departments, ICAR Director General ML Jat urged institutions to formally adopt natural farming as part of their core academic offerings.

Until now, the subject was taught mainly as an elective, with only a few universities running dedicated courses.

Dr Jat noted that natural farming has gained national relevance due to its importance for sustainability, environmental protection, and farmer welfare.

He highlighted that the BSc (Hons) Agriculture – Natural Farming curriculum, created under the Sixth Deans’ Committee guidelines and aligned with the National Education Policy 2020, has been finalized and shared with all universities.

“Some universities have successfully initiated this program from the academic year 2023-24, marking a transformative milestone in agricultural higher education. I hope the remaining universities will introduce this course by next academic year,” he said.

Emphasizing the need to build advanced expertise, he encouraged institutions to establish postgraduate degrees such as MSc and PhD programs in natural farming and related fields.

He said the growing demand for chemical-free food systems, soil restoration, resilient agro-ecosystems, and low-emission practices makes such expansion essential.

“ICAR will extend all possible academic and technical support in curriculum refinement, guidelines, and resource materials,” he said.

“The collective efforts of our agricultural universities will play a pivotal role in preparing a new generation of scientists, extension professionals, and entrepreneurs who can lead India’s transition towards ecologically harmonious and economically viable farming systems,” he added.