PM Launches National Mission on Natural Farming to Promote Sustainable Agriculture

GG News Bureau
New Delhi, 26th Nov. The Union Cabinet, led by Prime Minister 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 & Farmers’ Welfare. The initiative has an allocation of Rs. 2481 crore, with the Government of India contributing Rs. 1584 crore and the state share being Rs. 897 crore, to be implemented until the 15th Finance Commission period (2025-26).

The mission aims to promote chemical-free farming across the country, leveraging traditional, eco-friendly farming methods to enhance agricultural sustainability and food security. The core principles of Natural Farming (NF) are rooted in local agro-ecological knowledge, using integrated livestock systems and diversified crops to restore soil health, encourage biodiversity, and reduce reliance on external chemical inputs.

Key Highlights of NMNF:

• Implementation Scope: In the next two years, NMNF will be implemented across 15,000 clusters in Gram Panchayats, reaching over 1 crore farmers and covering an area of 7.5 lakh hectares.
• Model Farms & Training: 2,000 NF Model Demonstration Farms will be established across Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs), Agricultural Universities (AUs), and farmer fields, offering hands-on training on NF practices, including input preparation and crop diversification.
• Farmer Empowerment: 18.75 lakh farmers will be trained in NF practices, while 30,000 Krishi Sakhis/CRPs will assist in awareness generation, mobilization, and farmer support.
• Sustainability & Climate Resilience: The initiative aims to build climate resilience, enhance soil health, and reduce the environmental impact of conventional farming practices, ultimately promoting the production of safe, nutritious food.
• Certification & Market Access: Farmers practicing NF will benefit from an easy certification system and common branding to access markets, ensuring their produce gets recognition and a fair price.

The mission will also set up 10,000 Bio-input Resource Centres (BRCs) to facilitate the availability of ready-to-use natural farming inputs and encourage the establishment of sustainable, eco-friendly agricultural practices.

By supporting these initiatives, NMNF seeks to ensure long-term agricultural sustainability, reduce dependency on harmful chemicals, and secure a healthy, resilient food system for future generations.