Introduction

India, an agrarian nation with over 50% of its workforce in agriculture, is taking a transformative step with the National Mission on Natural Farming (NMNF). Launched as a standalone Centrally Sponsored Scheme, NMNF aims to promote natural farming practices across the country. With an ambitious goal to shift 1 crore farmers to chemical-free farming over two years, NMNF is poised to reshape India’s agricultural landscape.

This article delves into the mission’s objectives, implementation strategy, and potential to revolutionize sustainable agriculture.

What is Natural Farming?

Natural farming, also called “chemical-free agriculture”, relies on traditional, eco-friendly methods using only inputs derived from livestock and plant resources. Inputs like Jeevamrit(a bio-fertilizer) and Beejamrit(a seed treatment solution) replace synthetic fertilizers and pesticides.

Key Statistics

• Fertilizer consumption in India: 138 kg/hectare (national average).
• Target areas for natural farming: Districts with fertilizer usage exceeding 200 kg/hectare.

Natural farming aligns with India’s goal of sustainable agriculture by reducing environmental degradation and fostering soil fertility.

The Evolution of NMNF

NMNF is an extension of earlier initiatives like:

1. Bhartiya Prakritik Krishi Paddhti (BPKP), launched under the Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojna (PKVY) in 2019.
2. Namami Gange Scheme, which promoted natural farming along the Ganga River, covering 88,000 hectares.

In its renewed form, NMNF adopts a mission-mode approach, integrating learnings from BPKP and expanding its scope nationwide.

Objectives of NMNF

The NMNF envisions a sustainable, eco-friendly future for Indian agriculture. Its core objectives include:

1. Reducing Chemical Dependency - Transitioning away from fertilizers and pesticides to bio-inputs like Jeevamrit and Beejamrit.
2. Enhancing Farmer Welfare - Lowering input costs and increasing profitability.
3. Rejuvenating Soil Health - Restoring soil fertility and microbial activity, increasing organic carbon content.
4. Combating Climate Risks - Developing resilience against floods, droughts, and waterlogging.
5. Empowering Farmers - Training 18.75 lakh farmers in natural farming methods by 2025.

Implementation Framework

The NMNF employs a comprehensive strategy to scale up natural farming.

1. Cluster-Based Approach

• 15,000 clusters across willing Gram Panchayats will implement natural farming practices.
• Each cluster will cover approximately 50 hectares of agricultural land.

2. Farmer Training

• 2,000 Model Demonstration Farms to train farmers on bio-input preparation and application.
• Focus on Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs) and Agricultural Universities for hands-on training.

3. Establishing Bio-Input Resource Centres (BRCs)

• 10,000 BRCs will supply ready-to-use organic inputs.
• Farmers will be trained to produce bio-inputs locally using livestock resources.

4. Deploying Community Resource Persons

30,000 Krishi Sakhis/CRPs will assist farmers in adopting natural farming practices.

5. Certification and Branding

• Establishing a national brand for chemical-free produce to enhance marketability.
• Simplified certification processes to ensure authenticity.

Financial Commitment

The NMNF has a total budgetary outlay of:

• ₹2,481 crore (till 2025-26):
• ₹1,584 crore from the central government.
• ₹897 crore from state governments.

This financial support underscores the government’s commitment to making natural farming accessible and sustainable for Indian farmers.

Achievements So Far

Area Under Natural Farming

22 lakh hectares of land brought under natural farming, including:

• 4 lakh hectares under BPKP.
• 88,000 hectares along the Ganga River.
• 17 lakh hectares through state initiatives.

Farmer Participation

• 34 lakh farmers are practicing natural farming nationwide.
• Targeting an additional 7.5 lakh hectares and 1 crore farmers by 2025.

Benefits of Natural Farming

Natural farming offers numerous advantages, making it a win-win for farmers, consumers, and the environment.

Environmental Benefits

• Reduction in greenhouse gas emissions from fertilizer production.
• Increased soil biodiversity and water-use efficiency.

Economic Advantages

• Cost savings: Farmers save approximately ₹10,000 per hectare by eliminating fertilizers and pesticides.
• Premium pricing for certified natural produce in niche markets.

Health and Nutrition

• Elimination of harmful chemical residues in food.
• Nutrient-rich produce ensures better health for consumers.

Climate Resilience

• Enhanced soil structure improves resistance to droughts and floods.
• Natural farming supports carbon sequestration, contributing to climate mitigation.

Challenges in Adoption

Despite its benefits, natural farming faces several challenges:

1. Awareness Gap - Limited awareness among farmers about natural farming methods and their long-term benefits.
2. Initial Yield Reduction - Transitioning to natural farming may result in temporary yield drops, deterring adoption.
3. Certification Issues - Lengthy and complex organic certification processes can hinder market access.
4. Infrastructure Deficit - Insufficient bio-input production facilities and training centers pose logistical challenges.

Success Stories

States like Andhra Pradesh and Gujarat have pioneered natural farming with notable successes:

• In Andhra Pradesh, over 7 lakh farmers transitioned to natural farming, reporting a 25% reduction in input costs and 30% increase in profits.
• Gujarat farmers practicing natural farming experienced improved soil fertility and higher resilience to climate changes.

Future Prospects

The NMNF has set ambitious targets, aiming to create an ecosystem that sustains natural farming practices:

• Expanding certification coverage for chemical-free produce.
• Strengthening market linkages to ensure fair pricing for natural products.
• Promoting public-private partnerships to scale bio-input production and distribution.

Conclusion

The National Mission on Natural Farming represents a transformative step towards sustainable agriculture. By promoting chemical-free practices, the mission addresses critical issues of soil degradation, environmental pollution, and farmer welfare.

While challenges remain, the government’s structured approach, financial commitment, and farmer-centric initiatives ensure that NMNF has the potential to revolutionize Indian agriculture, fostering a healthier, more sustainable future.

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References:

1. Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare. (2024). National Mission on Natural Farming guidelines.
2. "Fertilizer Consumption in India: Trends and Challenges." Economic Times.
3. Budget Speech by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman (2023).
4. Success Stories in Natural Farming – Andhra Pradesh and Gujarat Reports.