Project Coordinator:

1. Dr. Naresh Chaudhari (PI) - Assistant Professor (Agronomy), GUNI-KKIASR
2. Dr. Maitrik Joshi (Co-PI) - Assistant Professor (Agronomy), GUNI-KKIASR

Objectives:

• Demonstrate natural farming’s relevance in degraded soils, including urban fringe areas.
• Educate farmers, students, and local communities through hands-on exposure.
• Analyse soil biology and fertility under natural farming conditions.
• Assess the grain quality of crops grown using natural inputs.
• Evaluate the cost-effectiveness and economic sustainability of natural farming.

The project aims to promote sustainable, eco-friendly farming through the establishment of a natural farming demonstration plot using Green Gram (GM-6). The model farm, cultivated with Green Gram (GM-6), demonstrates zero-chemical-input farming using Bijamrit, Jivamrut, and natural pest repellents. Rooted in the principles of Masanobu Fukuoka, the project emphasizes minimal external inputs, natural soil fertility restoration, and chemical-free crop production. Conducted at the college farm, this live model serves as a powerful teaching and outreach tool for students, faculty, and nearby farmers. This initiative addresses the critical challenge of bridging the gap between sustainable agricultural technologies and farming communities. It serves as a living classroom for students, faculty, and nearby farmers to observe and learn about regenerative farming practices that restore soil health, reduce costs, and improve food quality.

Outcomes:

• Students and farmers gained direct experience in natural farming practices.
• Sustainable techniques were effectively embedded in academic and community learning.
• The project fostered awareness across educational and rural networks about chemical-free, low-cost farming.
• The approach produced nutrient-rich pulses while enhancing soil biodiversity and structure.
• Findings support natural farming as a viable method for sustainable agriculture with lower cultivation costs.