National Mission on Natural Farming (NMNF)
Quick Snapshot
| Aspect | Details |
| Type | Centrally Sponsored Scheme |
| Launch Year | FY 2022-23 (formally restructured from Bhartiya Prakritik Krishi Paddhati – BPKP) |
| Coverage | 15,000 Clusters across priority districts, targeting 7.5 lakh hectares |
| Knowledge Partner | MANAGE (National Institute of Agricultural Extension Management) |
| Incentive | ₹4,000/acre/year for 2 years (max up to 1 acre per farmer) |
Objective of the Mission
The mission aims to mainstream natural farming by:
- Promoting bio-input-based, chemical-free farming systems
- Integrating indigenous livestock (especially desi cows) into farming
- Strengthening agroecological research and farmer-to-farmer learning
- Building a national brand for natural, chemical-free produce
🧠 UPSC Link: Fits perfectly under GS-3: Sustainable Agriculture, Environment, and Inclusive Growth.
Key Components Explained
A. Implementation Approach
| Component | Description |
| Farmer-to-Farmer Model | Encourages peer-led transition through community mentorship |
| Agri-Infrastructure | BRCs (Bio-Input Resource Centres), seed banks, small tools, local haats |
| Market Systems | Farmers’ markets, food processing, branding of natural products |
B. Training & Research Support
- Training by KVKs, Agri Universities, and certified trainers on:
- Beejamrut (seed treatment)
- Jeevamrut (fermented microbial culture)
- Neemastra (biopesticide)
- Research documentation by ICAR institutions
- New academic curriculum: Diploma, UG, PG in Natural Farming
This helps institutionalize Natural Farming beyond traditional practice.
C. Community-Led Scale-Up
| Initiative | Description |
| Krishi Sakhis (30,000) | Women-led CRPs from SHGs, FPOs, PACS |
| NF Clusters | Starts with 125 trained farmers → Each train 6 → Grows to ~750 farmers |
| Participatory Certification | Based on PGS (Participatory Guarantee System), ensuring trust in chemical-free produce |
D. Bio-Input Resource Centres (BRCs)
- Target: 10,000 BRCs at Gram Panchayat level
- Operated by: SHGs, KVKs, FPOs, Goshalas
- Purpose: Production & distribution of bio-inputs like Jeevamrut, Dashparni Ark, etc.
Priority Target Areas
Here’s how the scheme smartly targets specific geographies based on ecological and social factors:
| Category | Focus |
| Namami Gange Region | 5 km corridor along Ganga for eco-friendly farming |
| Tribal Areas | Under Tribal Sub Plan — sensitive ecological zones |
| Districts on Major Rivers | Selected by states — for water-based farming ecosystems |
| Strong Community Org. Areas | With SHGs, PACS, FPOs for implementation |
| High Fertilizer Use Districts | To detoxify soil and reduce chemical dependency |
| Low Fertilizer Use Districts | Easy to transition — considered low-hanging fruits |
| Natural Farming Practitioner Zones | To scale up existing organic/natural practices |
Output-Based Incentive
| Feature | Details |
| Amount | ₹4,000 per acre/year (max: 1 acre per farmer) |
| Duration | 2 years |
| Condition | Must be a trained and willing natural farming practitioner |
| Mode | Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) via Aadhar-authenticated accounts |
This is a unique “output-based support” — not input subsidy.
Institutional Convergence
NMNF follows a convergence model, aligning with:
- NRLM, SRLMs (for SHG networks)
- FPOs, PACS
- CSR funds
- KVKs, ICAR institutes
- International organizations (e.g., FAO, IFOAM)
🧠 UPSC Relevance
| Paper | Link |
| GS-3 | Sustainable Agriculture, Organic/Natural Farming, Food Security |
| Essay Paper | Themes like “Science and Sustainability”, “Rural Empowerment” |
| GS-2 | Policy Implementation, Role of SHGs, Women’s Participation |
🧠 Comparison (for Mains Answer Writing)
| Feature | NMNF | PKVY (Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana) |
| Model | Nature-based, bio-input | Organic certification |
| Scale | 15,000 clusters | Cluster-based (20 ha each) |
| Incentive | ₹4,000/acre/year for 2 yrs | ₹31,000 per ha for 3 years |
| Training | On-field + formal education | Mostly field-based |
| Certification | PGS-based participatory model | PGS certification |
📚 Conclusion
The National Mission on Natural Farming is not just about removing chemicals—it’s a social movement, a policy experiment, and a sustainability model.
It empowers communities, respects traditional wisdom, and backs it up with scientific validation.