The agricultural landscape in India has undergone revolutionary changes in the last few decades. From traditional methods to high-yield hybrid seeds, chemical fertilizers, and pesticides, farmers have worked hard to ensure food security for a rapidly growing nation. However, this intensive chemical-dependent farming has also led to serious concerns: soil degradation, water pollution, declining biodiversity, and increasing health hazards.
To counter these challenges and promote a more holistic approach to agriculture, the Government of India launched the National Mission on Natural Farming (NMNF). This scheme is designed to promote chemical-free, ecological farming practices that are better for the environment, farmers, and consumers.
In this detailed blog, we will explore what the NMNF is, its objectives, components, implementation strategies, benefits for farmers and the environment, challenges, and much more.
Table of Contents
🌿 What is Natural Farming?
Natural farming refers to an agroecological farming system that relies on natural processes and locally available resources instead of synthetic inputs like fertilizers and pesticides.
The most popular model in India is Subhash Palekar’s Zero Budget Natural Farming (ZBNF), which emphasizes using cow dung and urine-based preparations, mulching, and soil aeration.
Key principles of natural farming include:
- No chemical fertilizers or pesticides.
- Enhancement of soil microbiome.
- Use of bio-stimulants like Jeevamrit and Beejamrit.
- Promotion of biodiversity through mixed cropping and intercropping.
- Reducing input costs and dependence on external inputs.
🌾 What is the National Mission on Natural Farming (NMNF)?
The National Mission on Natural Farming (NMNF) was launched in 2022-23 as a restructured continuation of the earlier Bhartiya Prakritik Krishi Paddhati (BPKP) under the Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana (PKVY).
NMNF aims to scale up natural farming practices across India, helping farmers transition to more sustainable and cost-effective agricultural methods.
🎯 Objectives of NMNF
1️⃣ Promote chemical-free, climate-resilient farming.
2️⃣ Enhance soil fertility and biodiversity.
3️⃣ Reduce dependency on costly external inputs, increasing farmers’ net income.
4️⃣ Strengthen local resource-based farming and traditional knowledge systems.
5️⃣ Contribute to national priorities like Atmanirbhar Bharat and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
💡 Key Components of NMNF
1️⃣ Cluster-based Approach
Farmers are organized into clusters (typically 500 hectares each) to facilitate training, resource sharing, and collective marketing.
2️⃣ Farmer Field Schools (FFS)
Hands-on training and demonstration are provided through FFS, helping farmers learn natural farming techniques practically on the field.
3️⃣ Financial Assistance
Support is provided for procuring inputs like cow dung, setting up compost units, and bio-stimulant preparations. Farmers receive assistance of ₹15,000 per hectare for three years.
4️⃣ Certification and Branding
Promotion of certification systems (e.g., Participatory Guarantee System) and branding of natural farm produce to help farmers access premium markets.
5️⃣ Knowledge Dissemination
Workshops, seminars, and campaigns are conducted to educate farmers and consumers about the benefits of natural farming.
🌻 Techniques Promoted under NMNF
The NMNF promotes specific techniques derived from Indian traditional knowledge systems, particularly ZBNF. Some core practices include:
- Jeevamrit: A microbial culture made from cow dung, cow urine, jaggery, pulse flour, and soil to enhance microbial activity.
- Beejamrit: Seed treatment solution to protect seeds from diseases and promote germination.
- Mulching: Covering soil with crop residues to conserve moisture and promote organic matter decomposition.
- Waaphasa (Soil Aeration): Maintaining adequate air and moisture balance in the soil.
- Mixed Cropping and Border Cropping: Reducing pest infestation and enhancing biodiversity.
🗺️ States Leading in Natural Farming
Several states have taken significant initiatives under NMNF and earlier BPKP:
- Andhra Pradesh: Pioneered large-scale ZBNF adoption, targeting 6 million farmers by 2027.
- Himachal Pradesh: Promoted natural farming in hilly regions to curb soil erosion and chemical runoff.
- Gujarat, Uttar Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, and Kerala: Active participation with increasing farmer engagement.
💰 Financial and Institutional Support
- Government Grants: Financial support is provided to clusters for capacity building and infrastructure.
- State Departments and ATMA: Act as nodal agencies for implementation and training.
- Research Institutions: ICAR and state agricultural universities provide technical backup and monitor outcomes.
- FPOs and Cooperatives: Facilitate collective input procurement and marketing of produce.
🧑🌾 Benefits for Farmers
🌟 Reduced Input Costs
Natural farming eliminates the need for costly fertilizers and pesticides, saving farmers ₹10,000–₹30,000 per hectare annually.
🌱 Improved Soil Health
Use of organic inputs enhances microbial activity, soil aeration, and nutrient availability, making soils more productive over time.
💧 Water Efficiency
Practices like mulching and soil aeration reduce irrigation requirements by up to 30%.
💵 Higher Profit Margins
With lower input costs and premium pricing for chemical-free produce, farmers can earn better net incomes.
♻️ Resilience to Climate Change
Diverse cropping systems and improved soil health make natural farming more resilient to droughts, floods, and other climate extremes.
🌳 Environmental Benefits
- Reduced Chemical Runoff: Less contamination of water bodies and groundwater.
- Enhanced Biodiversity: Mixed cropping supports pollinators, beneficial insects, and soil fauna.
- Carbon Sequestration: Healthier soils store more carbon, mitigating greenhouse gas emissions.
- Less Energy Use: Reduced dependence on synthetic inputs lowers energy consumption and emissions.
🛑 Challenges and Barriers
While the NMNF has transformative potential, certain challenges remain:
- Transition Period: Farmers face yield reductions initially as soils adjust.
- Market Linkages: Need for strong market networks to ensure premium prices.
- Awareness and Training: Low awareness among farmers about techniques and long-term benefits.
- Scientific Validation: More research is needed to scientifically quantify long-term yield stability and ecological benefits.
- Policy Coherence: Aligning subsidies and support for natural farming with mainstream agricultural policies.
⚖️ Government Measures to Address Challenges
- Promoting Participatory Guarantee Systems (PGS) for certification and consumer trust.
- Launching dedicated e-market platforms for natural produce.
- Strengthening FPOs to handle aggregation, branding, and marketing.
- Increasing research on region-specific natural farming practices through ICAR and KVKs.
- Integrating natural farming with flagship programs like PM-KISAN and PM-Fasal Bima Yojana.
🧭 Roadmap for the Future
The government aims to bring more than 7 lakh hectares under natural farming by 2026. The focus areas include:
- Converting chemical-intensive zones into natural farming clusters.
- Encouraging women farmers and smallholders to adopt low-cost techniques.
- Promoting exports of certified natural produce under “India Organic” branding.
- Creating model natural farming villages to demonstrate success.
💬 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
❓ What is the difference between organic and natural farming?
Organic farming uses organic fertilizers and biopesticides, but it may include external organic inputs. Natural farming, particularly under NMNF, focuses entirely on on-farm, locally sourced, natural inputs with minimal external intervention.
❓ Can natural farming completely replace chemical farming?
Yes, but it requires gradual transition, proper training, and supportive market infrastructure to maintain yield levels and ensure farmer profitability.
❓ Do farmers receive any financial assistance?
Yes. Under NMNF, farmers receive assistance of ₹15,000 per hectare over three years to support input preparation and adoption.
❓ How is certification handled?
Certification is promoted through the Participatory Guarantee System (PGS), a decentralized, farmer-friendly certification process.
❓ Are natural farm products more expensive?
Yes, due to premium quality and lower supply, but they fetch higher prices in niche markets, benefitting farmers.
🔗 Useful Resource & Do-Follow Link
For more details and the latest updates, visit the Official Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare page on NMNF.
✨ Conclusion
The National Mission on Natural Farming (NMNF) is a bold step toward reshaping India’s agriculture into a more sustainable, health-focused, and environmentally friendly system. By empowering farmers to adopt low-cost, chemical-free practices, it addresses the twin challenges of farmer distress and environmental degradation.
With proper support, robust market linkages, and consumer awareness, NMNF has the potential to transform millions of farms across India, creating a healthier future for both producers and consumers.
Whether you’re a farmer seeking alternatives, an agri-entrepreneur exploring eco-friendly models, or a conscious consumer supporting sustainable produce — NMNF represents a shared vision for a greener, self-reliant India.
