Contents
Introduction
The National Mission on Natural Farming (NMNF) is an initiative by the Government of India aimed at promoting chemical-free, sustainable agriculture practices. This mission encourages farmers to adopt natural farming methods, reducing dependency on synthetic inputs and enhancing soil health. By embracing this approach, farmers can achieve better yields, lower production costs, and contribute to environmental conservation.
Objectives of National Mission on Natural Farming
The NMNF focuses on several key objectives to transform the agricultural landscape:
- Promote Alternative Farming Systems: Encouraging farming methods that reduce reliance on external inputs, thereby lowering costs and increasing farmer income.
- Integrated Agriculture-Animal Husbandry Models: Utilizing local resources and indigenous cows to create sustainable farming ecosystems.
- Documentation and Research: Collecting and validating natural farming practices across the country and promoting participatory research with farmers.
- Awareness and Capacity Building: Conducting training programs, demonstrations, and awareness campaigns to educate farmers about natural farming benefits.
- Standardization and Branding: Developing certification procedures and branding strategies for natural farming products to access national and international markets.
Benefits of Natural Farming
Adopting natural farming practices under the NMNF offers numerous advantages:
- Comparable or Higher Yields: Farmers have reported yields similar to or exceeding those from conventional farming methods.
- Healthier Produce: Elimination of synthetic chemicals results in nutrient-rich, safer food products.
- Environmental Conservation: Improved soil biology, increased agrobiodiversity, and efficient water usage contribute to a healthier ecosystem.
- Economic Benefits: Reduced input costs and diversified income sources through intercropping enhance farmer profitability.
- Climate Resilience: Natural farming practices help in reducing carbon and nitrogen footprints, making agriculture more resilient to climate change.
Eligibility Criteria
The National Mission on Natural Farming is open to all farmers across India who are interested in transitioning to natural farming methods.
Application Process
Farmers can apply for the National Mission on Natural Farming through the following steps:
- Contact Zila Parishad: Interested farmers should approach their local Zila Parishad office to express interest in the scheme.
- Submission of Details: The Zila Parishad Officer will collect the farmer’s details and project plan to forward to the State Agriculture Department.
- Preparation of Action Plan: The State Agriculture Department will formulate a State Annual Action Plan based on the submissions.
- Approval and Fund Release: Upon approval of the plan, financial assistance will be disbursed to the beneficiary.
Required Documents
Applicants need to provide the following documents (requirements may vary by state):
- Aadhaar Number
- Land Ownership Documents
- Caste Certificate (for SC/ST applicants)
- Bank Account Details
- Recent Photographs
Why Every Eligible Farmer Should Apply
The National Mission on Natural Farming offers a transformative approach to agriculture that benefits both farmers and the environment. By reducing dependency on costly chemical inputs, farmers can increase their net income and produce healthier crops. The scheme’s emphasis on sustainability ensures long-term soil fertility and resource conservation. Every eligible farmer is encouraged to take advantage of this opportunity to enhance their livelihood and contribute to a greener future.
Conclusion
The National Mission on Natural Farming is a significant step towards sustainable and profitable agriculture in India. By adopting natural farming practices, farmers can achieve economic stability, ensure food safety, and protect the environment. It’s imperative for all eligible farmers to embrace this initiative and reap its multifaceted benefits.
Beyond financial savings and environmental benefits, natural farming also revives India’s ancient agricultural wisdom, rooted in harmony with nature. The NMNF promotes techniques that our ancestors once practiced—using cow dung, bio-cultures, and intercropping to naturally enhance soil fertility. This connection with traditional knowledge not only boosts productivity but also aligns with the spirit of Atmanirbhar Bharat (self-reliant India).
Moreover, with increasing global demand for chemical-free, organic produce, farmers trained under NMNF can access premium markets, both in India and internationally. This opens new income avenues for rural communities, especially small and marginal farmers who struggle under the weight of costly modern inputs.
State governments, Krishi Vigyan Kendras, and NGOs are actively partnering in this mission, offering workshops and field demonstrations to make natural farming accessible even to those with little prior exposure. Farmers no longer have to navigate this journey alone—support systems are being created across the country to ensure that every participant receives guidance, training, and encouragement.
As India marches forward on its green growth path, natural farming is more than just a policy—it’s a people-powered movement. From food security to environmental revival, the impact is immense. Every farmer who joins this mission becomes a changemaker—not just for their farm, but for future generations.
For more information and to apply, visit the official myScheme NMNF page.
