The Hon'ble Governor of Gujarat, Shri Acharya Devvrat, emphasized that the primary goal of natural farming is to recognize the interdependence between the natural ecosystem and human needs. He was speaking at the inauguration of a two-day national workshop organized by the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare at the Gujarat Natural Farming Science University, located in Halol, Gujarat.
The Governor further explained that natural farming enhances soil fertility, revives the ecosystem, reduces farmers' dependency on the market, and lowers costs. Additionally, it improves climate resilience and ensures safe and healthy food and a sustainable environment for future generations.
Dr. Devesh Chaturvedi, Secretary of the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare, shared that the National Natural Farming Mission (NMNF), approved by the Government of India in 2025, is inspired by the traditional natural farming practices that have been followed by farmers and communities across the country for decades. He stated that the mission aims to strengthen agricultural practices with a scientific approach. All farmers, scientists, and institutions with experience in natural farming actively participate in the mission’s implementation, fostering capacity building, training, and outreach.
The workshop saw the participation of 90 experts from seven natural farming centers (CoNFs) across states including Himachal Pradesh, Rajasthan, Haryana, Gujarat, Jharkhand, Tamil Nadu, Jammu & Kashmir, and West Bengal. The host university, Gujarat Natural Farming Science University, is an accredited CoNF for the mission. Additionally, 10 local natural farming practitioners from Gujarat, along with 52 students and professors from the university, also attended the workshop.
This two-day workshop marks the beginning of a series of training activities under the National Natural Farming Mission. The Government of India has reinforced its commitment to reviving soil, water, and environmental health, improving farmers' livelihoods, and promoting safe and healthy food. The NMNF is set to officially launch in 2025.
Promoting Natural Farming over 7.5 Lakh Hectares and Establishing 10,000 Bio-input Resource Centers:
The mission aims to promote natural farming across 7.5 lakh hectares of land and establish 10,000 demand-based Bio-input Resource Centers (BRCs) in 15,000 clusters. Under the mission, 18.75 lakh farmers will be trained in natural farming, who will, in turn, extend the practice to 1 crore farmers across the country.
