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National Mission on Natural Farming (NMNF): Objectives, Features, Implementation & Benefits

The National Mission on Natural Farming is a centrally sponsored scheme launched to promote chemical-free farming across India. It focuses on improving soil health, reducing farming costs, strengthening climate resilient agriculture in India, and promoting sustainable agriculture practices. The mission supports farmer training in natural farming, natural farming clusters, bio-input centers, and financial assistance to help farmers transition to ecosystem-based agriculture.

Natural farming is a chemical-free and eco-friendly approach that uses locally available resources like cow dung, cow urine, crop residues, and bio-inputs to maintain soil fertility and biodiversity. It reduces dependence on synthetic fertilisers and pesticides while promoting sustainable agriculture and lower farming costs.

In India, this approach is being scaled up through the National Mission on Natural Farming (NMNF), approved on 25 November 2024 as a centrally sponsored scheme. The mission aims to promote climate-resilient farming, improve soil health, support farmers with training and financial assistance, and institutionalise natural farming across the country.

What is Natural Farming?

Natural farming is a chemical-free farming approach that relies on locally available resources such as cow dung, cow urine, crop residues, and bio-inputs. It integrates crops, livestock, and natural ecosystems to restore soil fertility and biodiversity.

This method promotes soil health and natural farming principles such as:

In-situ biomass generation
Multi-cropping and crop diversity
Use of indigenous cow-based inputs
Natural pest management

Natural farming strengthens ecological balance while reducing dependency on synthetic fertilizers and pesticides.

National Mission on Natural Farming (NMNF) – Overview

The National Mission on Natural Farming was approved on November 25, 2024, as a standalone centrally sponsored scheme. Also referred to as the NMNF scheme or national natural farming scheme, it aims to institutionalize and scale up natural farming promotion India-wide.

The mission builds upon the earlier Bharatiya Prakritik Krishi Paddhati, which promoted zero budget natural farming India practices under previous agricultural programs. Now, through the natural farming mission India, the government seeks structured expansion with scientific validation and institutional support.

The Ministry of Agriculture natural farming mission is responsible for guiding and monitoring the implementation of this scheme.

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NMNF Objectives

The NMNF objectives are aligned with building a chemical-free farming mission and strengthening sustainable agriculture scheme India initiatives. Key objectives include:

Promoting ecosystem-based and chemical-free agriculture.
Reducing farmers’ dependency on external chemical inputs.
Enhancing soil health and natural farming integration.
Encouraging integrated crop-livestock farming systems.
Strengthening agro-ecological research and extension networks.
Developing certification and branding for natural produce.
Supporting climate-resilient agriculture India strategies.

These objectives aim to ensure safe food production while reducing farming costs.

NMNF Features

The NMNF features are designed to scale natural farming effectively across states.

Natural Farming Clusters –The scheme plans to establish 15,000 natural farming clusters. Each cluster covers approximately 50 hectares and includes around 125 farmers. These clusters act as demonstration hubs for large-scale adoption.
Bio-Input Resource Centres (BRCs) – Around 10,000 Bio-Input Resource Centres are being established. These centers provide locally prepared natural inputs and reduce farmers’ reliance on synthetic fertilizers and pesticides.
Farmer Training in Natural Farming – Extensive farmer training in natural farming is conducted through agricultural universities and extension networks. Farmers learn seed treatment methods like Beejamrut, soil enrichment techniques, and natural pest management practices.
Natural Farming Financial Assistance – The scheme provides natural farming financial assistance in the form of an incentive of ₹4,000 per acre per year for two years (up to one acre per farmer). This helps farmers transition smoothly.
Certification and Branding – The mission promotes farmer-friendly certification and a national brand for chemical-free produce.

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NMNF Implementation Structure

The NMNF implementation operates at multiple levels — central, state, district, and block. Monitoring is conducted through geo-tagging and real-time online tracking systems.

Role of Krishi Vigyan Kendras in NMNF

The role of Krishi Vigyan Kendras in NMNF is crucial. KVKs provide:

On-field demonstrations
Capacity-building programs
Technical guidance
Research support

They ensure scientific validation of traditional practices and strengthen farmer confidence.

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Natural Farming vs Zero Budget Farming

When discussing natural farming vs zero budget farming, both approaches aim to reduce chemical dependency. However:

Zero budget natural farming in India focuses heavily on minimizing input costs using cow-based formulations.
Natural farming under NMNF integrates scientific research, institutional support, and cluster-based scaling.

While both promote sustainability, the national natural farming scheme offers structured implementation and financial backing.

Natural Farming vs Organic Farming

In comparing natural farming vs organic farming:

Organic farming may allow external organic inputs and certification standards.
Natural farming minimizes external inputs and relies primarily on on-farm resources.

The organic and natural farming difference lies mainly in input dependency and certification processes. Natural farming focuses more on ecological self-sufficiency.

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Soil Health and Natural Farming

A core focus of the National Mission on Natural Farming is restoring soil health and natural farming balance. By increasing organic matter and microbial activity, the mission improves nutrient cycling and water retention. Healthy soil leads to better yields and long-term sustainability.

Climate Resilient Agriculture India

The National Mission on Natural Farming supports climate resilient agriculture India strategies by:

Improving soil moisture retention
Enhancing biodiversity
Reducing greenhouse gas emissions from chemical fertilizers.
Promoting diversified cropping systems.

These measures make farming systems more resilient to droughts and extreme weather.

Natural Farming Promotion In India

Natural farming promotion in India is essential for:

Ensuring food safety
Lowering production costs
Strengthening rural livelihoods
Supporting sustainable agriculture scheme India goals

By integrating traditional wisdom with modern research, the National Mission on Natural Farming provides a long-term roadmap for ecological farming.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the National Mission on Natural Farming?

The National Mission on Natural Farming is a centrally sponsored scheme promoting chemical-free agriculture, improved soil health, and sustainable farming systems across India.

What are the NMNF objectives?

The NMNF objectives include promoting natural inputs, improving soil fertility, strengthening climate resilience, supporting farmer training in natural farming, and creating certification systems for chemical-free produce.

How does NMNF provide financial assistance?

The scheme offers natural farming financial assistance of ₹4,000 per acre per year for two years (up to one acre per farmer) to support transition.

What is the difference between natural farming and organic farming?

The organic and natural farming difference lies in input usage. Organic farming may use certified organic inputs, while natural farming primarily relies on on-farm, cow-based, and ecological inputs.

What is the role of Krishi Vigyan Kendras in NMNF?

The role of Krishi Vigyan Kendras in NMNF includes providing technical training, demonstrations, and scientific support to farmers adopting natural farming practices.