Why in news?

The Union Cabinet approved the launch of the National Mission on Natural Farming (NMNF) as a standalone Centrally Sponsored Scheme under the Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare.

The mission aims to promote natural farming practices across India in a focused, mission-mode approach.

What’s in today’s article?

• Natural farming
• National Mission on Natural Farming (NMNF)
• Need for a mission on natural farming

Natural Farming

• About
  • The Agriculture Ministry defines natural farming as a “chemical-free” farming system that only uses inputs produced using livestock and plant resources.
  • It is a system where the laws of nature are applied to agricultural practices.
    • This method works along with the natural biodiversity of each farmed area.
    • It encourages the complexity of living organisms, both plants, and animals that shape each particular ecosystem to thrive along with food plants.
• Natural Farming in India
  • There are many working models of natural farming all over the world, the zero-budget natural farming (ZBNF) is the most popular model in India.
  • ZBNF was popularized by Subhash Palekar in India.

National Mission on Natural Farming (NMNF)

• Background
  • NMNF builds on the Bhartiya Prakritik Krishi Paddhti (BPKP), launched under the Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojna (PKVY).
  • The Centre also promoted natural farming in a five-kilometre belt along the Ganga River under the Namami Gange scheme in the financial year 2022-23.
  • In her Budget Speech (2024-25), Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced a plan to initiate one crore farmers countrywide into natural farming in the next two years.
• About
  • The government launched the NMNF within 100 days of returning to power in 2024, with a target to initiate one crore farmers into natural farming over the next two years.
  • This initiative will include certification, branding, and the establishment of 10,000 bio-input resource centres, implemented via scientific institutions and gram panchayats.
• Mission Objectives
  • Promote sustainable agriculture through natural farming.
  • Create a robust infrastructure for training, certification, and branding of chemical-free produce.
  • Develop a large-scale adoption model through effective farmer support and community engagement.
• Coverage under natural farming
  • Current Coverage - 22 lakh hectares under natural farming; 34 lakh farmers engaged nationwide.
  • Breakdown of Coverage
    • 4 lakh hectares under the Bhartiya Prakritik Krishi Paddhti (BPKP)
    • 88,000 hectares under Namami Gange
    • 17 lakh hectares under various state government initiatives.
  • Goals of the National Mission on Natural Farming (NMNF)
    • Target Area Expansion: Add 7.5 lakh hectares under natural farming.
    • Cluster-Based Implementation: Establish 15,000 clusters in willing Gram Panchayats.
    • Farmer Outreach: Reach 1 crore farmers within two years.
• Support Infrastructure
  • Bio-input Resource Centres (BRCs)
    • Set up 10,000 centres to provide ready-to-use natural farming inputs.
    • Priority to areas with existing natural farming practices, SRLM, PACS, and FPOs.
  • Infrastructure and Implementation Plans
    • Model Demonstration Farms
      • Establish 2,000 farms at Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs), Agricultural Universities (AUs), and farmers’ fields.
      • Supported by experienced Farmer Master Trainers.
    • Farmer Training Programs
      • Train 18.75 lakh farmers in natural farming practices and input preparation (e.g., Jeevamrit, Beejamrit).
    • Community Engagement
      • Deploy 30,000 Krishi Sakhis/Community Resource Persons (CRPs) for awareness, mobilization, and handholding.
    • Bio-Input Resources
      • Farmers will use livestock resources or procure inputs from Bio-Input Resource Centres (BRCs).
• Key Differences Between NMNF and Earlier Initiatives
  • Higher Budgetary Allocation: Total outlay: Rs. 2,481 crore (Central share: Rs. 1,584 crore; State share: Rs. 897 crore) until the 15th Finance Commission (2025-26).
  • Broader Target Group: Aims to benefit over 1 crore farmers.
  • Focus on Ecosystem Development
    • Establishes scientifically supported standards for natural farming practices.
    • Simplifies certification for chemical-free produce.
    • Proposes a single national brand for natural produce.

Need for a mission on natural farming

• To promote natural farming practices
  • There was a growing need for promoting natural farming practices.
• Many districts with high fertilizer sale
  • 228 districts across 16 states have been identified with fertiliser usage above the national average of 138 kg/hectare in 2022-23.
    • These districts have been targeted in the NMNF.
    • Also, special focus will be given on districts where fertiliser use exceeds 200 kg/hectare.
    • It also includes a 5 km-wide area along the main stem of the Ganga River.
• Economic Benefits
• Reduces input costs for farmers by minimizing dependency on externally purchased fertilisers and pesticides.
• Soil and Environmental Health
  • Improves soil health, fertility, and quality.
  • Increases soil carbon content, enhances biodiversity, and promotes microorganisms.
  • Builds resilience to climate risks such as waterlogging, floods, and droughts.
• Health and Nutrition
  • Reduces health risks associated with fertilisers and pesticides.
  • Provides nutritious food for farmers' families.
• Intergenerational Benefits
  • Ensures a healthy Mother Earth for future generations through sustainable farming.