National Mission on Natural Farming Launched with ₹2481 Crore Budget Approved

The Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Shri 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 and Farmers' Welfare. The mission has a total outlay of ₹2481 crore, with ₹1584 crore contributed by the Government of India and ₹897 crore from the states.

Natural Farming: A New Direction:

The NMNF aims to promote natural farming across the country in a mission mode. This initiative encourages farmers to adopt chemical-free farming practices rooted in traditional knowledge and local agro-ecological principles. The approach involves integrating local livestock, diverse crop systems, and innovative natural farming techniques.
The mission seeks to reduce the dependency on external inputs, cut cultivation costs, rejuvenate soil health, and foster biodiversity. Additionally, it aims to ensure the availability of safe and nutritious food for both farmers and consumers, aligning agriculture with sustainability and climate resilience.

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Key Features and Benefits of the NMNF:

1. Development of 15,000 Clusters: Over the next two years, 15,000 clusters in Gram Panchayats will be developed, involving 1 crore farmers and covering 7.5 lakh hectares under natural farming.
2. Establishment of Bio-Input Resource Centres (BRCs): To ensure easy access to natural farming inputs, 10,000 Bio-Input Resource Centres will be set up for farmers.
3. Model Demonstration Farms: Around 2,000 Model Demonstration Farms will be developed across the country, where farmers will receive training on natural farming techniques and input preparation.
4. Training for Farmers: Approximately 18.75 lakh farmers will be trained in preparing inputs like Jeevamrit and Beejamrit, using their livestock or procuring these inputs from BRCs. A cadre of 30,000 Krishi Sakhis and Community Resource Persons (CRPs) will be deployed for mobilizing and supporting farmers.
5. Healthier and Resilient Agriculture: Natural farming will restore soil health and fertility while enhancing resilience to climate risks like waterlogging, floods, and droughts. It will also reduce health risks from exposure to synthetic fertilizers and pesticides, providing safe and nutritious food for farmers and consumers.

Branding and Market Access for Natural Farming Produce: Farmers will be provided with an easy certification process and dedicated branding for their natural produce. Market linkages will be facilitated through local farmer markets, APMC mandis, haats, and depots to ensure profitable selling opportunities.

Other Key Features of the Mission:

1. The implementation progress of NMNF will be monitored via an online portal using real-time geo-tagged and referenced data.
2. Efforts will be made to align with existing government programs and resources to enhance the local livestock population and establish NF model farms at Central Cattle Breeding Farms and Regional Fodder Stations.
3. Students will be engaged through RAWE programs and dedicated courses on natural farming at undergraduate, postgraduate, and diploma levels.

A Sustainable Future: The National Mission on Natural Farming aims to make agriculture cost-effective and sustainable, ensuring a significant reduction in soil degradation and water consumption. This initiative also promises economic and environmental benefits for farmers while leaving a healthier planet for future generations.

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