The Union Cabinet, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has approved the National Mission on Natural Farming (NMNF) as a standalone Centrally Sponsored Scheme under the Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare. This mission aims to promote chemical-free, sustainable agricultural practices rooted in traditional and local ecological knowledge.
Key Highlights of NMNF:
- Total Outlay: Rs. 2,481 crore (Government of India share: Rs. 1,584 crore; State share: Rs. 897 crore) until the 15th Finance Commission period (2025-26).
- Scope: Implementation across 15,000 clusters in Gram Panchayats, aiming to reach 1 crore farmers and initiate natural farming on 7.5 lakh hectares.
Objectives:
- Promoting Chemical-Free Farming: Encouraging local, integrated natural farming practices.
- Reducing Input Costs: Supporting farmers in minimizing dependency on external inputs while improving soil health.
- Enhancing Sustainability: Building resilience to climate risks like drought, floods, and waterlogging.
- Nutritious Food Production: Ensuring healthy and safe food for farmers’ families and consumers.
- Conserving Soil and Biodiversity: Increasing soil microorganisms and enhancing carbon content for long-term agricultural health.
Implementation:
- Bio-input Resource Centres (BRCs): 10,000 BRCs will be set up to ensure farmers’ access to natural farming inputs like Jeevamrit and Beejamrit.
- Model Demonstration Farms: Around 2,000 NF farms will be established in collaboration with Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs) and Agricultural Universities for training purposes.
- Farmer Training: 18.75 lakh farmers will receive training on natural farming methods.
- Krishi Sakhis and CRPs: Deployment of 30,000 community resource persons for awareness and support in NF clusters.
Benefits:
- Environmental: Improved soil fertility, reduced health risks, and enhanced biodiversity.
- Economic: Lower cultivation costs and reduced dependency on chemical fertilizers and pesticides.
- Cultural: Promotion of traditional farming knowledge for the future generation.
Monitoring and Market Access:
- Farmers will benefit from simple certification systems and dedicated branding for marketing natural farming produce.
- Geo-tagged monitoring will ensure real-time oversight of the mission’s implementation.
- Market linkages will be facilitated through convergence with existing schemes and support structures.
The mission also involves educational programs and collaboration with international organizations to create a new generation of skilled farmers and sustainable agricultural practices. Natural Farming is poised to revolutionize India’s agricultural landscape while preserving its ecological balance.
