National Mission on Natural Farming (NMNF): An Initiative for Sustainable Agriculture in India
The Indian government has recently launched the National Mission on Natural Farming ( NMNF ), a significant initiative aimed at promoting sustainable agricultural practices across the country. This mission is designed to encourage farmers to transition from chemical-based farming to natural farming methods that leverage local resources and traditional knowledge.
Need for the Initiative: National Mission on Natural Farming ( NMNF )
The necessity for such an initiative arises from several critical factors:
– Rising Input Costs: Farmers in India have been increasingly burdened by high costs associated with chemical fertilizers and pesticides. The NMNF aims to reduce these input costs, thereby increasing farmers’ profitability and sustainability.
– Health and Environmental Concerns: Conventional farming practices often lead to soil degradation, water pollution, and health risks associated with chemical residues in food. Natural farming promotes chemical-free practices that enhance soil health and reduce environmental impact.
– Climate Change Resilience: With climate change posing significant threats to agriculture, natural farming practices can improve resilience by enhancing soil biodiversity and reducing dependency on external inputs. This approach aligns with broader climate-smart agricultural goals.
Fund Allocation
The NMNF has been allocated a substantial budget of ₹2,481 crore (approximately $300 million) for its implementation until the 15th Finance Commission period (2025-26). This funding includes ₹1,584 crore from the central government and ₹897 crore from state governments. The financial structure is designed to support various activities under the mission, including training programs for farmers and the establishment of necessary infrastructure.
Expected Outputs
The NMNF is set to achieve several key outputs over its implementation period:
– Coverage of 7.5 Lakh Hectares: The mission aims to cover 7.5 lakh hectares of agricultural land by developing 15,000 clusters across the country. Each cluster will consist of around 50 farmers, promoting cooperative learning and resource sharing.
– Direct Benefits to Farmers: It is expected that about one crore farmers will benefit from this initiative. Farmers adopting natural farming practices will receive financial assistance of ₹15,000 per hectare per year for three years, contingent upon their commitment to these practices.
– Infrastructure Development: The establishment of approximately 10,000 Bio-input Resource Centres (BRCs) will facilitate access to natural farming inputs like cow dung and urine formulations. Additionally, around 2,000 Model Demonstration Farms will be set up to showcase effective natural farming techniques.
– Training and Capacity Building: The mission emphasizes training through experienced Farmer Master Trainers and aims to create awareness about natural farming methods among farmers. This capacity building is essential for ensuring a successful transition from conventional to natural farming practices.
The National Mission on Natural Farming (NMNF) is poised to significantly impact small-scale farmers in India, particularly those with limited resources and land holdings. This initiative, launched by the Indian government, aims to promote sustainable and chemical-free farming practices that can enhance the livelihoods of these farmers.
Key Impacts on Small-Scale Farmers
1. Reduction in Input Costs
One of the most immediate benefits for small-scale farmers will be the reduction in input costs. Many small farmers struggle with high expenditures on chemical fertilizers and pesticides. The NMNF encourages the adoption of natural farming techniques that utilize locally available resources, such as cow dung and urine, which can drastically lower these costs. Farmers are expected to receive financial assistance of ₹15,000 per hectare per year for three years, contingent upon their commitment to natural farming practices.
2. Training and Capacity Building
The NMNF includes comprehensive training programs aimed at educating farmers about natural farming techniques. Approximately 30,000 Krishi Sakhis (agriculture friends) will be deployed to assist in mobilizing and training farmers. This hands-on support is crucial for small-scale farmers who may lack access to modern agricultural education and resources.
3. Improvement in Soil Health
Natural farming practices focus on enhancing soil health through organic methods, which is vital for small-scale farmers who often rely on their limited land for sustenance. By improving soil fertility and biodiversity, these practices can lead to more sustainable yields over time. Healthier soil also contributes to better resilience against climate-related challenges such as droughts and floods.
4. Market Access and Branding
The initiative includes a simple certification system that will help farmers market their natural produce effectively. With dedicated branding for natural farming products, small-scale farmers will have better access to local markets, potentially increasing their income from sales. This is particularly important as many small farmers struggle with market access due to lack of resources and information.
5. Community Building through Clusters
The NMNF will establish 15,000 clusters comprising groups of farmers who will work together under the same gram panchayat. Each cluster will consist of around 50 farmers, fostering a sense of community and collaboration. This collective approach can enhance knowledge sharing and provide a support network for small-scale farmers.
6. Long-Term Sustainability
By shifting towards natural farming methods, small-scale farmers can achieve greater long-term sustainability. The focus on biodiversity and ecological balance not only benefits the environment but also ensures that farming remains viable for future generations. Farmers adopting these practices are likely to experience improved resilience against market fluctuations and environmental changes.
The National Mission on Natural Farming represents a transformative opportunity for small-scale farmers in India. By reducing input costs, providing education and training, improving soil health, enhancing market access, fostering community collaboration, and promoting long-term sustainability, the NMNF aims to uplift one of the most vulnerable segments of the agricultural sector. As this initiative unfolds, it holds the potential to significantly improve the economic conditions of small-scale farmers while contributing positively to India’s agricultural landscape.
Source: PIB
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