National Mission on Natural Farming: Centre Targets 3.25 mn ha Chemical-Free Shift by FY31
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Livemint - Economy · 6 May 2026 · 2 min read
Prelims · Agriculture Mains · GS3 Agriculture High relevance
The government plans to expand natural farming to 3.25 million hectares by FY31 through 65,000 clusters, aiming to reduce input costs and improve soil health, with ₹750 crore allocated for FY27.
Key points
National Mission on Natural Farming (NMNF) aims to convert 1.8% of India's agricultural land (3.25 mn ha) to chemical-free practices by FY31, up from current 880,000 ha, addressing soil degradation and high input costs.
Cluster Approach: 65,000 clusters of 50 hectares each will be established, focusing on community resource persons (26,000 trained) and 5,000 bio-input resource centers (BRCs) to supply organic inputs like jeevamrit and beejamrit.
Financial Allocation: ₹750 crore is earmarked for FY27 to cover 650,000 hectares, though the full FY27–FY31 outlay remains pending approval.
Economic Impact: Natural farming reduces input costs by 20-40%, though yields may drop 15-30% during transition, with certified produce fetching premium prices in retail and export markets.
Institutional Support: ICAR, KVKs, and agricultural universities will drive agro-ecological research and extension services, integrating crop-livestock systems with indigenous cattle.
[GS3-Environment] The shift aligns with India's climate commitments by reducing synthetic fertilizer use, which contributes to N2O emissions and soil degradation.
Challenges: Scaling requires overhauling agricultural institutions, addressing bureaucratic hurdles, and mitigating food security risks during yield transition periods.
Way Forward: Strengthen farmer training programs, incentivize market linkages for natural produce, and integrate NMNF with existing schemes like Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana (PKVY) for cohesive policy implementation.
Key terms
- Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs)
- ICAR-run agricultural extension centers providing frontline demonstrations and training. Under NMNF, KVKs will disseminate natural farming techniques, bridging research and field implementation.
- National Mission on Natural Farming (NMNF)
- Launched in 2023–24 Union Budget, NMNF promotes chemical-free agriculture to restore soil health and reduce farmers' dependency on synthetic inputs. It aligns with SDG 2 (Zero Hunger) and India's Net Zero targets by cutting agrochemical emissions.
- Bio-Input Resource Centres (BRCs)
- Local facilities producing organic inputs like bio-fertilizers and compost. Critical for decentralizing supply chains and reducing logistical costs, BRCs empower grassroots adoption of natural farming.
- Jeevamrit and Beejamrit
- Traditional organic preparations using cow dung, urine, and jaggery to enhance soil fertility and seed treatment. These low-cost inputs are central to zero-budget natural farming (ZBNF), popularized by Subhash Palekar.
Practice question
Critically analyze the potential of the National Mission on Natural Farming (NMNF) to transform India's agricultural sector while addressing its key challenges. (250 words, 15 marks)
GS3 15 marks 250 words Mains
Key terms to include: National Mission on Natural Farming (NMNF) Bio-Input Resource Centres (BRCs) Jeevamrit and Beejamrit Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs) Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana (PKVY) Zero-budget natural farming (ZBNF) Soil health Climate commitments
Answer framework
Introduction
Briefly introduce NMNF as a government initiative aimed at promoting chemical-free farming to enhance soil health and reduce input costs. Mention its ambitious target of covering 3.25 million hectares by FY31.
Potential Benefits
Reduction in input costs (20-40%) for farmers through use of organic inputs like jeevamrit and beejamrit.
Improvement in soil health and reduction in synthetic fertilizer use, aligning with climate commitments (SDG 2, Net Zero targets).
Premium prices for certified natural produce in domestic and export markets, enhancing farmer incomes.
Community-based approach through clusters and Bio-Input Resource Centres (BRCs) ensuring decentralized and scalable implementation.
Key Challenges
Initial yield drop (15-30%) during transition may pose food security risks and discourage farmer adoption.
Bureaucratic hurdles and institutional overhaul required for effective scaling of the mission.
Need for robust market linkages and incentives to ensure economic viability for farmers.
Dependency on traditional knowledge and indigenous cattle, which may vary regionally.
Way Forward
Strengthen farmer training programs and extension services through KVKs and agricultural universities.
Integrate NMNF with existing schemes like Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana (PKVY) for cohesive policy implementation.
Incentivize market linkages and certification processes to ensure premium prices for natural produce.
Address food security concerns through phased implementation and support during yield transition periods.
Conclusion
Conclude by emphasizing the need for a balanced approach that leverages NMNF's potential while mitigating its challenges through policy support, institutional collaboration, and farmer empowerment.
Fact check
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