Union Cabinet approves National Mission on Natural Farming with outlay of ₹2,481 crore

The Union Cabinet has approved a National Mission on Natural Farming (NMNF) to promote natural farming in mission mode across the country. The initiative is set to benefit farmers significantly by promoting eco-friendly agricultural methods as a standalone Centrally Sponsored Scheme under the Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare.

With a total outlay of ₹2,481 crore (₹1,584 crore from the Government of India and ₹897 crore as state share), till the 15th Finance Commission (2025-26), the mission targets reaching 10 million farmers in the next two years, equipping them with resources and knowledge to transition to natural farming techniques, as per the Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare.

Key Objectives and Benefits

Rooted in traditional farming knowledge, Natural Farming (NF) emphasises chemical-free methods using locally integrated farming practices, diversified crop systems, and agroecological principles tailored to local conditions. The initiative seeks to:

• Provide safe and nutritious food for all.
• Reduce farmers’ input costs and dependency on external inputs.
• Revive soil health, enhance fertility, and promote biodiversity.
• Build resilience against climate risks like droughts, floods, and waterlogging.
  
  Reduce health risks from exposure to chemicals while ensuring sustainable and healthy food production.

Implementation Plan

In the next two years, NMNF will:

• Cover 10 million farmers and promote natural farming on 7.5 lakh hectares.
• Develop 15,000 clusters in willing Gram Panchayats, with a preference for areas with a history of natural farming.
• Establish 10,000 Bio-input Resource Centres (BRCs) to supply ready-to-use NF inputs.

Additionally, around 2,000 NF Model Demonstration Farms will be set up at Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs), Agricultural Universities (AUs), and farmers’ fields. Trained Farmer Master Trainers will lead efforts to demonstrate NF practices and provide hands-on training to 1.88 million lakh willing farmers on techniques like preparing Jeevamrit and Beejamrit using local livestock resources.

The mission will deploy 30,000 Krishi Sakhis/Community Resource Persons (CRPs) to raise awareness, mobilise, and guide farmers. Farmers adopting NF practices will benefit from simple certification systems and dedicated common branding, ensuring access to markets for their produce. An online portal will enable real-time, geo-tagged monitoring of the mission’s progress.

The NMNF will collaborate with other government schemes and international organisations to support:

• Enhancement of local livestock populations.
• Establishment of NF Model Demonstration Farms at Central Cattle Breeding Farms and Regional Fodder Stations.
• Development of market linkages via APMC Mandis, local Haats, and farmer markets.
• Students will also be engaged through Rural Agricultural Work Experience (RAWE) programmes and specialised undergraduate, postgraduate, and diploma courses on natural farming practices.