The Union Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare has released guidelines for setting up Bio-Input Resource Centres (BRCs) to promote natural farming in India.

• These centres are a key component of the National Mission on Natural Farming (NMNF), launched on November 25, 2024.

About Bio-Input Resource Centres (BRCs)

• BRCs are local hubs established to produce, supply, and promote bio-inputs, supporting farmers in transitioning to sustainable natural farming practices.
• Objectives:
• • To assist farmers in transitioning from chemical-based to natural farming practices.
  • To enable local production and distribution of bio-inputs such as natural fertilizers and pest repellents.
  • To serve as knowledge dissemination hubs on natural farming practices.
• Eligibility: The group or individual setting up the BRC must be engaged in natural farming or must initiate it in the upcoming cropping season.
  • Local Relevance: Bio-inputs should be produced based on local soil types, crop systems, and land-use patterns.
  • Raw Materials: Centres must have access to livestock-based and plant-based biomass for preparing bio-inputs.
  • Capacity Building: BRCs must educate farmers on application methods and dosage of natural inputs.
• Financial Assistance: A financial support of ₹1 lakh per centre is proposed, disbursed in two installments of ₹50,000 each.
  • The assistance does not cover capital expenditures like land purchase, building sheds, or renting premises, which must be arranged by the entrepreneur.
• Target: The initiative is part of a larger goal to set up 10,000 BRCs announced in Budget 2023-24.
• Integration: The scheme may converge with other government programmes like the 10,000 FPOs scheme and the National Mission on Edible Oilseeds for better reach and mobilisation.

Challenges and Concerns

• Low Financial Support: Experts argue that ₹1 lakh is insufficient for setting up fully functional centres without existing infrastructure.
• Gap in Capital support: Additional support is needed to cover physical infrastructure and to ensure long-term sustainability.
• Need Holistic approach: Successful implementation demands strong backward and forward linkages, including market support and training.

Conclusion

While the initiative reflects a positive policy shift towards sustainable agriculture, its success will depend on adequate funding, implementation support, and sustained institutional hand holding.

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