Govt Launches ₹2,481 Crore Mission to Boost Natural Farming in India

Key Highlights

• ₹2,481 crore mission approved by Union Cabinet.
• Targets 10 million farmers and 7.5 lakh hectares by 2025-26.
• Promotes chemical-free farming and soil health improvement.
• Includes 15,000 farming clusters and 10,000 bio-input centers.
• Focus on market linkages, branding, and farmer training programs.

The Union Cabinet has approved a ₹2,481 crore National Mission on Natural Farming (NMNF) to promote chemical-free and eco-friendly farming practices across India. This initiative aims to benefit 10 million farmers and cover 7.5 lakh hectares of farmland by 2025-26.

Under the Agriculture & Farmer’s Welfare Ministry, the scheme will be centrally sponsored, with ₹1,584 crore funded by the central government and ₹897 crore contributed by states. The mission focuses on reducing farming costs, improving soil health, and promoting sustainable agricultural methods.

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Objectives of the National Mission on Natural Farming

The mission encourages traditional, chemical-free farming tailored to local conditions.

Key objectives include:

• Producing safe, nutrient-rich food.
• Reducing dependence on fertilizers and pesticides to lower farming costs.
• Reviving soil fertility and increasing biodiversity.
• Building resilience to climate risks like droughts and floods.
• Minimizing health risks from chemical exposure.

This mission aims to provide sustainable food production while conserving the environment.

Implementation Plan

The NMNF has outlined several steps to achieve its goals:

Farmer Engagement and Coverage

• Targeting 10 million farmers.
• Promoting natural farming on 7.5 lakh hectares.

Cluster-Based Approach

• Creating 15,000 clusters in willing Gram Panchayats.
• Focusing on areas with a history of natural farming.

Bio-Input Resource Centres (BRCs)

• Setting up 10,000 centers to provide ready-to-use natural farming inputs.

Model Demonstration Farms

• Establishing 2,000 model farms in Krishi Vigyan Kendras, Agricultural Universities, and farmers’ fields.

Training and Awareness

• Training 1.88 million farmers with the help of Farmer Master Trainers.
• Mobilizing 30,000 Krishi Sakhis and community resource persons.

Farmers will also learn to use local resources to make low-cost natural fertilizers like Jeevamrit and Beejamrit.

Also Read: IRRI and USAID Launch MASEA Project to Reduce Methane Emissions in Rice Farming

Market Support for Natural Farming

The NMNF will help farmers access better markets through simplified certification, common branding, and improved market linkages. Platforms like APMC Mandis, local haats, and farmer markets will be used to sell natural farming produce.

An online portal will track the mission's progress using geo-tagged data for transparency and accountability.

Future Collaborations and Vision

The mission will collaborate with other government schemes and international organizations to scale natural farming practices. Future plans include:

• Enhancing local livestock for natural farming inputs.
• Setting up demonstration farms at Central Cattle Breeding Farms and Regional Fodder Stations.
• Developing educational programs for students, including specialized courses and agricultural internships.

A Step Toward Sustainable Farming

The National Mission on Natural Farming (NMNF) is a significant step toward transforming Indian agriculture. It combines traditional knowledge with modern methods to lower costs, improve soil health, and produce safe, nutritious food. This mission also aligns with efforts to combat climate change and promote environmental conservation, marking a bright future for Indian farming.

Also Read: How to Reduce Moisture in Soybeans: 5 Easy Methods

CMV360 Says

The National Mission on Natural Farming is a transformative step towards eco-friendly agriculture. By promoting chemical-free methods, improving soil health, and reducing costs, it empowers farmers and ensures safe, sustainable food production. This mission not only supports farmers but also contributes to environmental conservation and resilience against climate change.