National Mission on Natural Farming (NMNF): Key Features, Objectives, Benefits, and Everything You Need to Know

The Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently approved the National Mission on Natural Farming (NMNF) as a standalone Centrally Sponsored Scheme under the Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers' Welfare. This initiative aims to promote chemical-free, sustainable farming practices rooted in Indian traditions, reducing farmers' dependence on external inputs while rejuvenating soil health and biodiversity.

What is Natural Farming?

Natural Farming, also known as Bhartiya Prakratik Krishi Paddhati (NF-BPKP), is a holistic, chemical-free farming system rooted in traditional Indian agricultural practices. It relies on locally available resources and livestock, promoting a self-sustaining approach to farming. The system eliminates the use of synthetic fertilizers, pesticides, and other chemical inputs, focusing instead on natural alternatives like cow dung, cow urine, and formulations such as Bijamrit, Jivamrit, and Ghanjivamrit for soil enrichment and plant protection.

By encouraging diversified cropping systems, including multi-cropping, green manuring, and biomass mulching, it enhances soil quality while reducing cultivation costs. Additionally, Natural Farming prioritizes sustainability, fostering soil health, improving water retention, and building resilience to climate risks such as droughts and floods, thereby ensuring long-term agricultural viability.

What is NMNF (National Mission on Natural Farming)?

The National Mission on Natural Farming (NMNF) is a government initiative aimed at promoting chemical-free, sustainable farming practices across India. Launched as a standalone Centrally Sponsored Scheme under the Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers' Welfare, NMNF seeks to empower farmers by reducing their dependency on external inputs and encouraging the use of indigenous resources. The mission focuses on revitalizing traditional farming methods rooted in Indian agriculture, such as the use of desi cow-based formulations, diversified cropping systems, and biomass recycling, to enhance soil health, biodiversity, and overall farm productivity.

Key Components of NMNF

• Diversified Multi-Cropping Systems: Natural Farming encourages the adoption of multiple crops grown simultaneously to improve soil biodiversity and reduce pest outbreaks.

• Desi Cow-Based Inputs: Inputs derived from indigenous cows, such as cow dung and urine, form the backbone of Natural Farming. These are used to prepare nutrient-rich formulations like Jeevamrit and Beejamrit for soil and plant health.

• Bio-Input Resource Centres (BRCs): To ensure farmers have access to Natural Farming inputs, the government plans to establish 10,000 BRCs, providing ready-to-use formulations and resources.

• Capacity Building and Demonstration Farms: Around 2,000 model demonstration farms will be established across India, supported by Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs), agricultural universities, and trained Farmer Master Trainers. These will serve as hubs for hands-on training.

Objectives of NMNF

The mission’s primary goals include:

1. Cost Reduction and Income Enhancement: Reducing dependency on external inputs and empowering farmers with cost-effective solutions.

2. Sustainability: Promoting practices that improve soil health, conserve water, and enhance biodiversity.

3. Healthy Food Production: Providing nutritious and chemical-free food to farmers and consumers.

4. Climate Resilience: Strengthening agricultural practices to withstand climate risks like floods, droughts, and waterlogging.

5. Market Access: Establishing branding and certification systems for natural farm produce to improve market linkages.

Implementation Plan

The implementation of NMNF will follow a mission-mode approach with ambitious targets set for the coming years. A key focus is on developing 15,000 clusters across Gram Panchayats, encompassing 7.5 lakh hectares of farmland and reaching out to one crore farmers. To ensure the effective dissemination of Natural Farming techniques, nearly 18.75 lakh farmers will undergo training at model demonstration farms and Bio-input Resource Centres (BRCs).

Additionally, a strong support system will be established through the mobilization of approximately 30,000 Krishi Sakhis and other resource personnel, who will work closely with farmers to promote and adopt these practices. Real-time monitoring of the mission’s progress will be facilitated using geo-tagged and referenced data, ensuring transparency and efficiency in achieving its objectives.

Benefits of Natural Farming

Natural Farming brings significant economic, environmental, and health benefits to farmers and consumers alike.

• Economic Gains for Farmers: it reduces cultivation costs by eliminating the reliance on expensive chemical fertilizers and pesticides. Farmers can use locally available resources, such as cow dung and plant-based formulations, which are cost-effective and sustainable. Over time, these practices also contribute to consistent yields, ensuring reliable income for farmers while preserving soil health for future productivity.

• Environmental Sustainability: Natural Farming enhances soil quality by increasing organic carbon levels, promoting microbial activity, and encouraging the proliferation of earthworms. These improvements restore natural nutrient cycles, enriching the land without the need for synthetic additives. Additionally, better soil health enhances its water retention capacity, reducing water usage and making farms less dependent on irrigation, which is critical in water-scarce regions.

• Climate Resilience: The approach also strengthens resilience against climate shocks. By adopting diverse cropping systems and sustainable practices, farmers can better withstand extreme weather events such as droughts and floods. Healthy soil, enriched through Natural Farming, becomes a buffer against these challenges, ensuring crop stability even under adverse conditions.

• Healthier Food: Natural Farming ensures the production of safer, healthier food. With no chemical residues, the food produced is free from harmful toxins, making it more nutritious for consumers. This not only addresses public health concerns but also creates market opportunities for farmers offering premium, natural produce. Together, these benefits make Natural Farming a transformative approach for sustainable agriculture and healthy living.

NMNF vs. Organic Farming: Key Differences

While both are non-chemical farming systems, Natural and Organic Farming differ in their approaches:

Role of NMNF

The government initially introduced Natural Farming through the Bhartiya Prakratik Krishi Paddhati (BPKP) as part of the Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana (PKVY). However, with the launch of the National Mission on Natural Farming (NMNF), this initiative has been significantly upscaled to a national level.

The NMNF now includes comprehensive institutional support for research and documentation of best practices, ensuring that successful models of Natural Farming are shared and adopted across the country. It also fosters collaboration with state governments, local organizations, and other stakeholders to ensure effective implementation on the ground.

In addition, the mission emphasizes the development of market linkages, aiming to connect farmers practicing Natural Farming with local farmer markets, Agricultural Produce Market Committees (APMCs), and even online platforms, helping them gain access to a broader consumer base for their chemical-free produce.

Addressing Environmental and Health Concerns

The overuse of chemical fertilizers and pesticides during the Green Revolution has resulted in declining soil fertility, environmental contamination, and various health risks. To combat these challenges, the National Mission on Natural Farming (NMNF) aims to restore soil ecosystems through natural nutrient recycling, which enhances the long-term fertility and health of the soil without relying on synthetic inputs.

By eliminating the use of harmful chemicals, the mission also seeks to reduce health risks associated with exposure to pesticides and fertilizers, which can harm both farmers and consumers. Furthermore, NMNF promotes eco-friendly farming practices that conserve natural resources, ensuring that agriculture becomes more sustainable and aligned with environmental preservation.

The National Mission on Natural Farming represents a transformative step toward sustainable agriculture in India. By integrating traditional wisdom with modern techniques, it empowers farmers to achieve economic prosperity while preserving ecological balance. The mission not only ensures a healthier planet but also paves the way for a secure food future for generations to come.