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The Union Cabinet chaired by the Prime Minister approved the National Mission on Natural Farming (NMNF) as a Centrally Sponsored Scheme.

About National Mission on Natural Farming (NMNF)

It is a scheme launched by the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers' Welfare to promote chemical-free farming practices, including local livestock, diversified crop systems, and agro-ecological principles.

The total budget is Rs 2481 crore, with the Union Government contributing Rs 1584 crore and the states contributing Rs 897 crore until the 15th Finance Commission (2025-26).

It will be implemented in 15,000 clusters across Gram Panchayats, with the goal of reaching 1 crore farmers and promoting Natural Farming (NF) on 7.5 lakh hectares of land.

The implementation of NMNF will be monitored in real-time via an online portal that will allow for geotagging and referencing of progress.

Key objectives of the NMNF 

Encourage natural farming practices.

Offer safe and nutritious food.

Assist farmers in reducing input costs and depending on purchased external inputs.

Create and maintain a healthy soil ecosystem.

Encourage biodiversity and build resilience to climate risks.

What support will farmers receive under the NMNF?

Training provided by Model Demonstration Farms, Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs), Agricultural Universities (AUs), and experienced Farmer Master Trainers.

Access to 10,000 Bio-input Resource Centres (BRCs) for convenient natural farming inputs.

Assistance in preparing inputs such as Jeevamrit and Beejamrit, as well as marketing their products using a simple certification system and common branding.

Role of Krishi Sakhis/ CRPs

Around 30,000 Krishi Sakhis/Community Resource Persons (CRPs) will be deployed to raise awareness, mobilize farmers, and provide hands-on assistance to willing farmers in the clusters who want to adopt Natural Farming practices.

What is Natural Farming?

Natural Farming is a chemical-free farming system based on traditional practices that include modern knowledge of ecology, resource recycling, and on-farm resource optimization. 

It emphasizes on-farm biomass recycling, the use of cow dung-urine formulations, soil aeration, and the elimination of synthetic chemical inputs.

Benefits of Natural Farming

It reduces the need for purchased inputs and has the potential to increase employment and promote rural development by utilizing locally available resources and traditional farming methods.

It provides a long-term solution to the problems caused by traditional farming methods, such as environmental damage, health risks, and financial hardship for farmers. It promotes ecological harmony, reduces chemical-related health risks, and ensures long-term food security.

It addresses environmental damage, health risks, and financial difficulties by eliminating synthetic chemicals, reducing dependence on purchased inputs, and encouraging sustainable practices to ensure a long-term ecological balance and economic stability for farmers.

Way Forward

Natural Farming under NMNF has long-term benefits, including improved soil health, lower farming input costs, increased climate resilience, healthier and more nutritious food, and the preservation of a healthy environment for future generations.

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Source: 

PIB