National matural farming mission, 30,000 agricultural sakhi to train farmers on natural farming practices

The central government has recently issued new guidelines for the National Natural Farming Mission (NMNM), aimed at reducing farmers' dependence on chemical fertilizers and improving soil health. Under this mission, 30,000 Agricultural Sakhis will be trained to educate farmers about natural farming methods. The goal of the mission is to establish natural farming as a mass movement, encouraging farmers to adopt sustainable and chemical-free farming practices.

Guidelines for Natural Farming:

The central government has issued guidelines for the NMNM and sought feedback from state governments by December 7, 2024. As part of this mission, Agricultural Sakhis will undergo training from agricultural universities and experts across the country. These Sakhis will educate farmers about natural farming practices and raise awareness.

30,000 Agricultural Sakhis to Drive Awareness:

1. 30,000 Agricultural Sakhis will be trained by agricultural experts across the country.
2. These Sakhis will familiarize farmers with natural farming techniques and raise awareness about its benefits.
3. A single national brand will be established for crops produced through natural farming.
4. Simplified and farmer-friendly certification processes will be introduced.

Budget and Targets of the National Natural Farming Mission: The total budget for this mission is ₹2,481 crore, with ₹1,584 crore funded by the central government and ₹897 crore by state governments. The mission aims to implement natural farming on 7.5 lakh hectares of land, benefiting nearly 1 crore farmers through 15,000 groups.

1. Importance of Natural Farming : Natural farming is a chemical-free approach that incorporates indigenous livestock, integrated farming, and diverse cropping systems. It helps improve soil health, reduces farming costs, and enhances climate resilience.
2. Practical Training and Awareness: As part of the mission, 2,060 model farms will be set up across the country. A total of 425 agricultural science centers and 40 central and state agricultural universities will be involved in the initiative. Each farm will provide training to three farmers under the model approach.
3. Role of Agricultural Sakhis: Agricultural Sakhis will play a pivotal role in training farmers about natural farming methods and their benefits. They will train 125 farmers per selected group, teaching them how to make organic fertilizers, manage crop cycles, and apply other natural farming techniques.

Conclusion: The National Natural Farming Mission is a crucial step in reducing farmers' costs and encouraging them to adopt sustainable agriculture practices. The 30,000 trained Agricultural Sakhis will play a key role in implementing these goals effectively at the grassroots level. This mission will not only bring improvements to the agricultural sector but also contribute significantly to soil health and environmental conservation.