Launch of National Mission on Natural Farming (NMNF)

Source: This post on Launch of National Mission on Natural Farming (NMNF) has been created based on the article “Launch of National Mission on Natural Farming” published in PIB on 26th November 2024.

Why in news?

The Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister approved the National Mission on Natural Farming (NMNF).

About National Mission on Natural Farming (NMNF)

1. It has been launched as a standalone Centrally Sponsored Scheme under the Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare.

2. Objective: To promote chemical-free natural farming rooted in traditional knowledge using integrated and diversified crop systems for sustainable, climate-resilient agriculture.

Key Features

1. Duration: Till the 15th Finance Commission period (2025-26).

2. Implementation Targets

i) 15,000 clusters in willing Gram Panchayats within two years.

ii) To reach 1 crore farmers and introduce Natural Farming on 7.5 lakh hectares of land.

iii) To establish 10,000 Bio-input Resource Centres (BRCs) for easy access to natural farming inputs.

3. Monitoring System: Real-time, geo-tagged monitoring through an online portal.

4. Convergence with Existing Schemes: It utilize existing government programs to enhance livestock populations, develop NF demonstration farms, and strengthen market linkages.

5. Educational Integration: It engage students through the Rural Agricultural Work Experience (RAWE) program. It also introduce undergraduate, postgraduate, and diploma courses on Natural Farming.

Support and Resources

1. Demonstration Farms and Training

i) Establish 2000 NF Model Demonstration Farms at Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs), Agricultural Universities (AUs), and farmers’ fields.

ii) Train 18.75 lakh farmers in natural farming practices, such as preparing Jeevamrit and Beejamrit.

iii) Engage 30,000 Krishi Sakhis/Community Resource Persons (CRPs) for awareness, mobilization, and handholding.

2. Bio-input Resource Centres (BRCs) to provide ready-to-use natural farming inputs like Jeevamrit and Beejamrit and promote local livestock for creating bio-inputs.

3. Market Linkages: Introduce an easy certification system and common branding for natural farming produce and strengthen market access through convergence with local markets, APMC Mandis, Haats, and Depots.

Environmental and Health Benefits

Soil and Ecosystem Health: It improves soil fertility, carbon content, and water use efficiency and promotes soil microorganisms and biodiversity.

Climate Resilience: It builds resilience against risks like waterlogging, floods, and droughts.

Health and Nutrition: It reduces farmers’ exposure to harmful fertilizers and pesticides and also ensures nutritious food for families and consumers.

UPSC Syllabus: Schemes and programmes