The Union Cabinet, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has approved the launch of the National Mission on Natural Farming (NMNF) as a standalone Centrally Sponsored Scheme under the Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers' Welfare. With an ambitious budget of Rs 2,481 crore (Rs 1,584 crore from the central government and Rs 897 crore from state contributions), the mission aims to revolutionize Indian agriculture by promoting natural farming practices.
Rooted in the age-old agricultural knowledge of Indian farmers, natural farming (NF) emphasizes chemical-free cultivation methods. It integrates local livestock, diversified cropping systems, and agro-ecological principles tailored to specific regions. Farmers will be supported to adopt these eco-friendly practices, which promise to provide safe and nutritious food, reduce cultivation costs, and rejuvenate soil health.
The mission is designed to mitigate the challenges of modern agriculture, including overdependence on chemical inputs, declining soil fertility, and climate vulnerabilities. By reviving sustainable practices, NMNF seeks to make agriculture resilient, eco-friendly, and productive.
In the next two years, the mission plans to create 15,000 natural farming clusters across willing Gram Panchayats, covering an extensive area of 7.5 lakh hectares and benefiting one crore farmers. A significant focus will be on regions with a history of natural farming, leveraging the support of farmer producer organizations (FPOs), self-help groups, and local institutions.
To facilitate this shift, 10,000 Bio-input Resource Centres (BRCs) will be established, ensuring farmers have easy access to natural farming inputs. These centers will produce eco-friendly preparations like Jeevamrit and Beejamrit, either using farmers' livestock or ready-made inputs available locally.
The NMNF will establish 2,000 model demonstration farms across Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs), Agricultural Universities, and farmers' fields. These farms will serve as hubs for practical training on natural farming techniques. Over 18.75 lakh farmers will be trained in producing bio-inputs and adopting NF practices.
Furthermore, 30,000 Krishi Sakhis and Community Resource Persons (CRPs) will be deployed to raise awareness, mobilize farmers, and provide handholding support. Their efforts will play a pivotal role in driving the mission at the grassroots level.
Natural farming practices promise to lower input costs, reduce dependency on chemical fertilizers and pesticides, and improve soil fertility. Additionally, these practices mitigate health risks posed by chemical exposure, offering farmers and consumers healthier and more nutritious food.
By enhancing soil carbon content and water use efficiency, natural farming also boosts biodiversity, soil microorganisms, and climate resilience, addressing challenges such as floods and droughts. The initiative aims to leave behind a healthier planet for future generations.
To ensure the success of the mission, a simple certification system will be introduced, along with common branding for natural farming produce. Farmers will receive market linkages through Agricultural Produce Market Committees (APMCs), local haats, and district-level networks. Real-time monitoring of the mission’s implementation will be conducted via an online geo-tagged portal.
The NMNF envisions collaborations with state and central government schemes, international organizations, and academic institutions. Students will also be engaged through research and educational programs dedicated to natural farming.
The National Mission on Natural Farming represents a paradigm shift in Indian agriculture, blending traditional wisdom with modern implementation strategies. It promises a sustainable, climate-resilient future for farmers and consumers alike.
