National Mission on Natural Farming (NMNF)

📌 Introduction

The National Mission on Natural Farming (NMNF) is a Centrally Sponsored Scheme launched by the Government of India to promote chemical-free, eco-friendly farming practices across the country. It aims to reduce the dependency of farmers on chemical fertilizers and pesticides, thereby ensuring soil health, sustainable agriculture, and safe food production.

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🎯 Objectives of NMNF

1. Promote Natural Farming – Encourage farmers to adopt natural inputs instead of synthetic chemicals.

2. Reduce Cost of Cultivation – Minimize input costs through the use of locally available resources (cow dung, urine, bio-cultures, neem, etc.).

3. Improve Soil Health – Enhance soil fertility and biodiversity by avoiding chemical residues.

4. Increase Farmer Income – By reducing expenses and improving market opportunities for organic/natural produce.

5. Promote Climate-Resilient Agriculture – Reduce greenhouse gas emissions and improve water-use efficiency.

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🌿 Key Practices under NMNF

Natural farming relies on low-cost, eco-friendly methods such as:

• Beejamrit – Seed treatment using cow dung, urine, lime, and soil.

• Jeevamrit – Bio-fertilizer made from cow dung, urine, jaggery, pulse flour, and soil.

• Mulching – Covering soil with crop residues/leaves to conserve moisture.

• Waaphasa – Reducing irrigation by maintaining soil aeration.

• Use of Neem oil, fermented buttermilk, herbal extracts for pest control.

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🏛️ Implementation of NMNF

• The scheme is being implemented by the Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare, Govt. of India.

• Farmer Field Schools (FFS) are established to train farmers in natural farming practices.

• Central and State Governments, Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs), NGOs, and Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs) are involved in training and extension activities.

• Financial assistance is provided for training, demonstration, certification, and marketing support.

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💰 Financial Support (as per guidelines)

• Cluster-based approach: Groups of farmers adopt natural farming on contiguous land.

• Assistance for training, demonstrations, seed banks, bio-input resource centers, and market linkages.

• CSR funds, NABARD, and convergence with other schemes (PM-Kisan, PM-KSY, etc.) are encouraged.

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🌍 Expected Outcomes

• Healthier soil and reduced environmental pollution.

• Safe, chemical-free food for consumers.

• Higher profitability for farmers through reduced input costs.

• Rural employment generation through bio-input preparation and supply.

• Contribution to India’s climate change goals and sustainable agriculture vision.