The Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Department has been continuously promoting natural farming through awareness campaigns, farmer fairs (kisan melas), demonstrations, exposure visits and training programmes in Yamunanagar district. These efforts have encouraged a number of farmers to adopt sustainable farming practices that improve soil health, reduce cultivation costs and produce chemical-free food.
As per data from the Agriculture Department, over 3,100 farmers have been sensitised and trained regarding the benefits and techniques of natural farming in Yamunanagar district over the past few years. The department authorities say that along with production-related guidance, farmers are also being encouraged to explore innovative marketing avenues that enable them to realise better prices for their produce.
A notable example is naturally grown wheat, which has been sold directly from farmers’ fields at a good price. “I am using natural farming methods to grow wheat and other crops under the poplar trees in my agricultural fields. This year, I sold my naturally grown wheat for Rs 4,000 per quintal directly from my fields. Consumers are ready to pay a premium for quality produce cultivated through natural methods,” said Bhusan Sharma, a farmer from Begampur village, adding that he also grows poplar trees using natural farming methods without using chemicals.
The MSP of normal wheat was Rs 2,585 per quintal in grain markets of the state this year.
Similar success stories are being witnessed in the marketing of natural jaggery and vegetables. Farmers producing natural jaggery are finding buyers through direct consumer contacts and social media-based marketing, often securing significantly better prices than those available through conventional channels. Likewise, naturally grown vegetables are being supplied directly to households and consumer groups on a regular basis, ensuring both higher returns for farmers and fresh, chemical-free produce for consumers.
Many farmers have also developed loyal customer bases through advance bookings and regular supply arrangements. Such direct marketing models provide assured demand, improve profitability, and strengthen the connection between producers and consumers. Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs), self-help groups, and farmer collectives are further contributing to market development by facilitating aggregation, branding, packaging, and promotion of natural farming products. These initiatives are helping farmers access larger markets and establish a distinct identity for their produce.
The Agriculture Department continues to support these efforts through training programmes on value addition, branding, packaging, digital marketing, and consumer outreach. Farmers are being encouraged to leverage modern communication tools and market-driven approaches to maximize returns from natural farming.
Dr Aditya Pratap Dabas, Deputy Director of Agriculture, Yamunanagar, says that the growing demand for healthy and residue-free food has created a niche market for naturally produced commodities. Many farmers are receiving premium prices by directly marketing their produce to health-conscious consumers, resident welfare groups, local communities, and consumer networks. “Natural farming is therefore not only an environmentally sustainable agricultural practice but also an economically viable model capable of generating enhanced farm income. The successful marketing of natural wheat, jaggery, vegetables, and other commodities demonstrates that substantial market opportunities already exist for farmers willing to engage directly with consumers,” says Dr Dabas.
He adds that, contrary to the perception that market opportunities for natural farming products are limited, several progressive farmers are successfully selling their produce directly to consumers through social media platforms such as WhatsApp, Facebook, Instagram, and other digital channels. These platforms help farmers establish direct contact with consumers, thereby reducing dependence on intermediaries and increasing their share of the final consumer price.
“The Agriculture Department remains committed to promoting natural farming and facilitating stronger market linkages, so that farmers can benefit from both sustainable production practices and remunerative market opportunities. With rising consumer awareness regarding health and food safety, the future of natural farming appears promising, offering benefits to farmers, consumers, and the environment alike,” says Dr Dabas.
However, some farmers said that agricultural transformation could not be achieved solely through the adoption of new farming techniques. They emphasised that market support was equally important. They further said that if organic products were provided with a separate platform and fair pricing, more farmers would be encouraged to adopt natural farming methods.
“Unless organic products receive a distinct identity and better pricing in the marketplace, a large number of farmers may remain reluctant to shift away from conventional farming methods. The government should develop organic market facilities in every district,” suggested a farmer.
