Context: The Union Cabinet announced National Mission on Natural Farming (NMNF) as a standalone Centre-sponsored scheme under the Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare.

Background

• 2019: Zero Budget Natural Farming (ZBNF) was renamed Bhartiya Prakritik Krishi Paddhti (BPKP) and integrated as a sub-scheme under the Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana (PKVY).

• 2023-24: BPKP was further renamed as National Mission on Natural Farming (NMNF).

• Under BPKP the financial assistance was provided for 3 years @ Rs. 12,200/ha.

Need

• There is a need to improve the quality of soil and maintain the health of the people with chemical-free food.

• The Mission is designed to support farmers to reduce input cost of cultivation and dependency to externally purchased inputs.

• To scientifically revive and strengthen agriculture practices towards sustainability, climate resilience and healthy food. 

Major Highlights of the National Mission on Natural Farming (NMNF)

• Aim: To promote natural farming among one-crore farmers across the country.

• Cluster-Based Approach: Targeting 15,000 clusters in Gram Panchayats allows for focused implementation and better resource allocation.

• Bio-Input Resource Centers (BRCs): Establishing 10,000 BRCs will ensure easy access to essential bio-inputs, making it convenient for farmers to adopt natural farming practices.

• Model Demonstration Farms: 2000 NF Model Demonstration Farms shall be established at Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs), Agricultural Universities (AUs) and farmers’ fields.

• They shall be supported by experienced and trained Farmer Master Trainers. 

• Certification and Market Access: A simplified certification system and dedicated branding will facilitate market access for natural farming products.

Natural Farming

• Natural farming is an approach to agriculture that emphasizes working with nature’s processes to grow crops in a sustainable and holistic way.

• It follows local agro-ecological principles rooted in indigenous knowledge, location-specific technologies, and adaptations to local agro-ecology.

• One of the central ideas of natural farming is to minimize reliance on external inputs and create a system that can sustain itself over the long term.

Key practices of natural farming include:

• Minimal Soil Disturbance;

• Use of Organic Inputs;

• Biodiversity and Polyculture;

• Water Conservation;

• Natural methods to manage pests;

• Synthetic fertilizers, herbicides, and pesticides are avoided.

Natural Vs. Organic Farming

• Natural farming emphasizes minimal intervention with nature, avoiding tilling, fertilizers, and even weeding.

• It focuses on creating self-sustaining ecosystems with little to no external inputs, trusting nature to maintain soil health and manage pests.

• Organic farming follows specific certification standards that prohibit synthetic chemicals and genetically modified organisms (GMOs).

• It allows the use of organic fertilizers, pesticides, and tilling. 

• It tends to be more structured and regulated than natural farming.

Benefits of Natural Farming

• Environmental Sustainability: It helps protect soil health, reduces pollution, and supports biodiversity.

• Resilience to Climate Change: Natural farming promotes agricultural practices that can adapt to changing climates, such as drought-tolerant crops and sustainable water use.

• Healthier Food: Food produced without chemical fertilizers and pesticides is considered safer and more nutritious.

• Economic Benefits: Over time, natural farming can reduce costs related to chemical inputs and increase the resilience of farms, potentially leading to higher yields.

Challenges

• Learning Local Ecosystem: It requires a deep understanding of local ecosystems, which can take time to learn and apply effectively.

• Labor-Intensive: In the transition period, natural farming is more labor-intensive and initially produces lower yields compared to conventional farming.

• Market Demand: Although organic products are gaining popularity, natural farming does not always meet mainstream market expectations or certification standards.

Government Initiatives

• Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY): The promotion of drip and sprinkler irrigation systems under this program can be adapted to natural farming practices.

• Soil Health Card Scheme: Launched in 2015, this initiative provides farmers with soil health cards that offer detailed information about the nutrient content and pH levels of their soil. 

• National Mission on Sustainable Agriculture (NMSA): Launched in 2014, encourages the adoption of sustainable farming techniques, including natural farming, to improve soil health, conserve water, and enhance productivity.

• National Organic Farming Research Institute (NOFRI): It focuses on improving soil health, developing organic farming technologies, and promoting sustainable agricultural practices.

• States Practicing: There are several states practicing Natural Farming. Prominent among them are Andhra Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh, Gujarat, Kerala, Jharkhand, Odisha, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh and Tamil Nadu.

Road Ahead

• The Government is increasingly recognizing the importance of natural farming in addressing environmental challenges, improving farmer incomes, and ensuring food security. 

• These efforts, when combined with local farmer participation and state-level innovation, hold great promise for the future of sustainable agriculture in India.