PIB Summary - 14th August 2025 | PIB (Press Information Bureau) Summary - UPSC PDF Download

National Mission on Natural Farming

Genesis and Evolution

• Approval & Launch: Approved by Union Cabinet on 25 November 2024. Operational till 15th Finance Commission cycle (2025–26). Launched as a standalone Centrally Sponsored Scheme (CSS).
• Predecessor Scheme: Restructured from Bharatiya Prakritik Krishi Paddhati (BPKP), which was under Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana (PKVY, 2020–23).
• Budgetary Outlay: ₹2,481 crore total (Centre ₹1,584 crore; States ₹897 crore).
• Policy Shift: From input-intensive agriculture (Green Revolution model) → to low-input, ecosystem-based farming. Emphasis on traditional knowledge validated by science.

Objectives of NMNF

• Promote chemical-free agriculture and reduce farmer dependence on costly chemical fertilizers & pesticides.
• Enhance soil health and biodiversity, making farms climate-resilient.
• Strengthen farmer incomes through cost reduction and better market branding of NF produce.
• Establish 7.5 lakh hectares across 15,000 clusters of Natural Farming.
• Train and mobilize 1 crore farmers nationwide.
• Ensure last-mile delivery of inputs and guidance through Krishi Sakhis/Community Resource Persons (CRPs).
• Build bio-input infrastructure via 10,000 Bio-input Resource Centres (BRCs).
• Introduce Participatory Guarantee System (PGS)-based certification for NF produce.

Principles and Practices of Natural Farming

• Core Principle: Farming without synthetic chemicals, relying on livestock-based, bio-resource recycling systems.
• Key Components:
  • Beejamrut: Seed treatment formulation of cow dung, urine, soil, etc.
  • Jeevamrut: Fermented microbial solution for soil fertility.
  • Mulching & crop residue management: To retain soil moisture.
  • Diverse cropping systems: For ecological balance.
• Ecosystem Approach: Integrates soil, water, plants, microbes, livestock, insects, and climate.
• Outcome Goals: Lower input costs, improved soil carbon, pest resistance through biodiversity, and resilience to climate shocks.

Implementation Architecture

• Cluster Model: 15,000 clusters, each of ~50 ha, ~125 farmers. New farmers can join at the start of each crop season.
• Incentives: ₹4,000/acre/year for 2 years (max 1 acre per farmer).
• Training & Handholding: 806 training institutions (KVKs, agri universities, NGOs). Model farms (1,100 developed) serve as learning hubs. 70,000+ Krishi Sakhis trained for community support.
• Monitoring: Online NMNF portal for geo-tagged, real-time monitoring. Multi-tier monitoring (Centre, State, District, Block).

Institutional Ecosystem

• NCONF: National Centre for Organic & Natural Farming, Ghaziabad for standard setting and certification system.
• MANAGE: Knowledge Partner for NF Extension.
• ICAR-KVKs: Research, demonstrations, curriculum development (UG/PG courses).

Community Role

• SHGs, FPOs, and Panchayati Raj bodies actively engaged in awareness, input production, and marketing.

State-Level Initiatives (Precursor Models)

• Andhra Pradesh (APCNF): Large-scale community-managed NF with ecological balance focus.
• Gujarat (SPKK/PNF): Direct subsidies for cow upkeep and NF kits.
• Himachal Pradesh (PK3 Yojana): Achieved large farmer participation, >50,000 farmers by 2020.
• Rajasthan (Pilot Scheme): Training + input subsidies for NF adoption.
• Karnataka, Kerala, Uttar Pradesh: Also emerging as NF adopters with state support.

Progress till July 2025

• Farmers: 10 lakh+ enrolled.
• Clusters: Targets being operationalised across states.
• Training: 3,900 scientists/trainers trained. 28,000 CRPs mobilized.
• BRCs: 7,934 identified, 2,045 established.
• Funds Released: ₹177.78 crore (FY 2024–25) to states as per AAPs.
• Model Farms: 1,100 demonstration farms functional.
• Certification: PGS-India system being rolled out for NF produce.

Convergence and Integration

• Linked with multiple ministries for holistic outcomes:
  • Agriculture & Farmers Welfare: input and training.
  • Rural Development: MGNREGA convergence for farm labour.
  • AYUSH: linkage of medicinal crops with NF.
  • Food Processing: value addition and branding.
  • Animal Husbandry: livestock integration.
• Market Linkages: Local haats, APMC mandis, FPO-driven value chains. Common national NF brand in progress.
• Educational Integration: RAWE student participation, UG, PG & diploma courses on NF.

Challenges

• Adoption Barriers: Behavioural resistance among farmers used to chemical inputs. Yield concerns during initial transition period.
• Market Ecosystem: Certification and branding are still evolving. Limited consumer awareness compared to organic farming.
• Infrastructure Gaps: Only ~25% of targeted BRCs established by mid-2025.
• Monitoring & Extension: Requires strong local handholding; scale-up may strain resources.
• Policy Coordination: Need seamless convergence between central, state, and local agencies.

Strategic Significance

• Climate Change: NF promotes low-carbon farming, reduces chemical fertilizer dependence (aligned with India’s Net Zero 2070 goals).
• Economic: Cuts input costs, enhances small/marginal farmer viability.
• Health & Nutrition: Safer, chemical-free food for consumers.
• Global Positioning: Positions India as leader in regenerative & ecological farming, aligned with SDGs (2, 12, 13, 15).

Conclusion

•  NMNF represents a fundamental shift from traditional agricultural practices focused on chemical inputs to a more sustainable, nature-aligned approach. 
•  The initiative is supported by a strong policy framework, extensive training infrastructure, and digital monitoring systems. 
•  Successful implementation hinges on changing farmer behaviors, building market support, and scaling up necessary infrastructure. 
•  If executed effectively, NMNF could position India as a global leader in sustainable agriculture, contributing significantly to global models of ecological farming. 

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Genesis and Evolution

Approval & Launch:

• Approved by Union Cabinet on 25 November 2024.
• Operational till 15th Finance Commission cycle (2025–26).
• Launched as a standalone Centrally Sponsored Scheme (CSS).

Predecessor Scheme:

• Restructured from Bharatiya Prakritik Krishi Paddhati (BPKP), which was under Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana (PKVY, 2020–23).

Budgetary Outlay:

• ₹2,481 crore total (Centre ₹1,584 crore; States ₹897 crore).

Policy Shift:

• From input-intensive agriculture (Green Revolution model) → to low-input, ecosystem-based farming.
• Emphasis on traditional knowledge validated by science.