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Plant Science Today (PST)

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Early Access

Natural farming and its global adoption - A bibliometric analysis literature review

DOI
https://doi.org/10.14719/pst.6823
Submitted
20 December 2024
Published
10-03-2025
Versions

Abstract

Natural farming, introduced by Masanobu Fukuoka, provides a sustainable alternative to traditional farming by tackling issues like soil damage, chemi- cal use, and environmental harm. This study looks at global research on natural farming from 2018 to 2024, focusing on research trends, themes, and factors influencing its adoption. A review of 210 publications was con- ducted using Scopus, following PRISMA guidelines, with analysis done using R Studio and VOS viewer. India is the leader in natural farming research, with 135 publications, driven by government policies that support sustaina- bility. Other key contributors include China, Italy, and the United States. The analysis identified three main themes: environmental sustainability, eco- nomic benefits, and adoption strategies. The citation analysis highlighted important researchers like Bharucha and Venkateshmurthy. The main rea- sons farmers adopt natural farming include better soil health, less chemical use, lower costs, and greater climate resilience. Techniques like Zero- Budget Natural Farming (ZBNF), which includes practices like Jeevamritha and organic mulching, are vital for improving soil fertility and cutting down on input costs. This study shows that natural farming can help balance the environment, improve farmer incomes, and encourage more sustainable practices. Future research should explore the role of digital technologies and cooperation between countries to expand natural farming worldwide.

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