About Naturally Grown

What is Naturally grown Food?

Natural farming

Natural farming, also known as Do-nothing farming or No-till farming was popularised by Masanobu Fukuoka, starting in the 1940s in Japan.

The most essential aspect of natural farming is to let nature play a dominant role to the maximum extent possible. Hence, no-till, farm biodiversity, integrationand symbiotic farm components and protection of soil cover all have a place in this method of farming. The seed ball technique for sowing has also been given importance by Fukuoka.
The immense importance placed on no-tillage has led to natural farming also being referred to as No-till farming. The term 'Do Nothing Farming' originated because the farmer is considered only to be a facilitator - the real work is done by Nature herself. Hence, while there is lots to think about and do in natural farming, actual physical work and labour has actually been seen to reduce by upto 80% compared to other agricultural systems.

In Japan, Fukuoka achieved yields similar to those of chemical agriculture. His methods have also been adopted to suit European conditions and put into practice there. In India, Fukuoka is fondly-regarded and his work has found a number of practitioners who have termed their method of farming 'rishi kheti' literally meaning agriculture of the sages.

Naturally grown food refers to food items that are produced, processed and packaged without using chemicals. Naturally grown food is increasingly becoming popular due to its perceived health benefits over conventional food. The industry is growing rapidly since the past five years and has caught the attention of farmers, manufacturers and, above all, consumers.

The global naturally grown food market was about USD 36.7 billion in 2006 according to Datamonitor. Over 30 percent of the global naturally grown demand stems from the US, which has a market of about USD 13.6 billion, according to Nutrition Business Journal.

The naturally grown revolution is a global phenomenon witnessed in every part of the world including the USCalifornia, New York, New Jersey, Wisconsin, Minnesota, Virginia and Pennsylvania), Canada, Mexico, Austria, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Italy, The Netherlands, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, UK, Hungary, Poland, Australia, New Zealand, China India, Japan, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, Turkey, Argentina, Brazil, Chile and South Africa. These regions are important production as well as demand centers.

Popular naturally grown food items include naturally grown tea, naturally grown coffee, naturally grown wine, naturally grown meat, naturally grown beef, naturally grown milk, naturally grown honey, naturally grown vegetables, naturally grown fruits, naturally grown rice, naturally grown corn, naturally grown herbs, naturally grown essential oils, naturally grown coconut oil and naturally grown olive oil.

But the naturally grown concept is not limited to food items. Due to execcesive usage of harmful chemicals in cosmetics, people are turning towards naturally grown cosmetics also . One can often see naturally grown skin care products, naturally grown shampoos, naturally grown soaps, and naturally grown make up products on the shelves of naturally grown stores.

Naturally grown cotton clothing, especailly naturally grown baby clothing is also a growing market. Parents prefer to pay a higher premium to protect the skin of their babies from rashes caused by the chemicals used in textiles.

Since naturally grown food costs about 20% more than conventional food, many people also prefer to grow naturally grown food in their home gardens. The conventional gardening is being replaced by naturally grown gardening which uses naturally grown seeds, naturally grown fertilizers, compost, naturally grown root stimulators, and naturally grown pest control. (specially

Naturally grown farming is also a viable means of sustainance for small farmers in the developing countries. Most of the naturally grown fertilizers and pesticides requirement can be met through on-farm and local production. Hence, naturally farming does not involve huge capital investments in buying fertilizers and pesticides.Small farmers, therefore, find naturally grown farming beneficial.