Recently, Union Cabinet approved the launch of the National Mission on Natural Farming (NMNF) as a standalone Centrally Sponsored Scheme under Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare.
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Earlier, Zero Budget Natural Farming (ZBNF) was renamed as Bhartiya Prakritik Krishi Padhati (BPKP) and made a sub-scheme under umbrella scheme of Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojna (PKVY) in 2019.
PKVY was launched in 2015 to produce agricultural products free from chemicals and pesticides residues by adopting eco- friendly, low- cost technologies.
BPKP was renamed as NMNF from 2023-24 for implementation all across the country.
BPKP is a Centrally Sponsored Scheme, initiated for a period of six years (2019-25).
It aims to cover 12 Lakh ha in 600 major blocks of the country and provides financial assistance of Rs.12,200/ha for 3 years for Cluster formation and Capacity building.
About National Mission on Natural Farming
Implementation: In 15,000 clusters in willing Gram Panchayats reaching 1 crore farmers, initiating NF in 7.5 lakh hectare area over the next 2 years.
Other components of the mission:
Bio-input Resource Centres (BRCs) will be establishedfor easy availability of ready-to-use inputs.
Model Demonstration Farms will be set up to train farmers.
Krishi Sakhi for awareness generation, mobilisation and handholding of willing farmers.
About Natural Farming
It is a chemical free, low-input, climate-resilient farming system based on livestock and locally available resources while eliminating synthetic agro-chemicals.
States practicing NF are Andhra Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Kerala, Gujarat, Himachal Pradesh, Jharkhand, etc.
Organic vs. Natural Farming Systems
Similarities: Both are non-chemical systems of farming largely relying on biomass management, rejuvenation of natural nutrient recycling, crop rotation and multiple cropping.
Differences:
Parameter
Organic Farming
Natural Farming
Input
Involves off-farm purchased organic and biological inputs.
No external inputs and use on-farm inputs based on Desi Cow.
Soil Correction
Need based soil correction through natural mined minerals.
Use of compost/ vermi compost and minerals are not allowed.
Agro Practices
Requires practices like plowing, tilting, mixing of manures, weeding, etc. to be performed.
Decomposition of organic matter by microbes and earthworms is encouraged on the soil surface.
Cost
More expensive due to need for organic manures.
Low cost due to reliance on local biodiversity.
Significance of Natural Farming
Improved Yield: By maximizing production factors like labour, soil, equipment and by avoiding use of non-natural inputs like fertilizers, herbicides and pesticides.
Enhanced income: Encouraging local resources like Jivamrit and Beejamrit reduces reliance on costlyfertilizers and chemicals, boostingfarmers’ incomes and making farming sustainable and aspirational.
Ensure better health: As NF avoids synthetic chemicals, it eliminates health risks and hazards while offering higher nutrient density and better health benefits.
Employment generation: By creating job opportunities across the agricultural value chain, from production and distribution to market linkages for natural produce.
Environment Conservation: NF ensures better soil biology, improved agro-biodiversity and a more judicious usage of water with much smaller carbon and nitrogen footprints.
Rejuvenates Soil Health: NF revitalizes soil microbiota, improving soil health by using bio-inoculums and natural pesticides, which enhance nutrient content in plants and increase bioavailability for humans.
Other Initiatives to promote Natural Farming
National Centre for Management of Agriculture Extension (MANAGE): MANAGE is a knowledge partner for documentation of best practices, digitalization of success stories on Natural Farming.
National Centre for Organic and Natural Farming (NCONF): Forpromotion of chemical-free agricultural systems and development of certification programme for Natural Farming.
State initiatives:
Prakritik Kheti Khushhal Kissan (PK3) Yojana, Himachal Pradesh: It engages in NF and attempts to lower cultivation costs and increase farmers’ revenue.
Gujarat Atma Nirbhar package: Under it, special financial assistance was announced for promoting Natural Farming practices in Budget 2020–21.
Issues associated with Natural Farming
Yield Uncertainty: NF often produces lower yields compared to conventional farming, and requires higher investments in initial phase, creating income risks for farmers.
Input Supply Issues: Availability of cow dung and urine for bio-fertilizers is often inconsistent.
Knowledge and Skill Gap: Lack of extension services, training, labour intensive nature due to reliance on manual intervention to prepare and apply bio-inputs like Jeevamrit and Beejamrit hinder widespread adoption.
Market Challenges: Natural produce often lacks a dedicated supply chain, consumer awareness; marketing support, certification mechanisms etc. making it difficult for farmers to secure fair and remunerative prices.
Policy Gaps: Lack of clear guidelines on quality regulations and standards of natural inputs, limited government funding in natural farming practices slows innovation and adoption.
Climate Change and Pest Attacks: NF practices are more prone to climate change-induced weather extremes and pest outbreaks (For eg. Locust attacks in Rajasthan), increasing risks of crop failure.
Way Forward
Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs): FPOs by collectivizing produce for streamlined procurement, implementing robust supply chain, building consumer trust etc. can enhance adoption of natural farming.
Farmer Training: Farmers must be extensively trained in preparing inputs such as desi cow dung-urine formulations, bio-inputs, and botanical extracts.
Awareness generation: Creating awareness and providing comprehensive training on practices like soil health management, pest control, and crop rotation, with support from ground partners, is essential for adoption.
Marketing Support: Strengthen marketing by establishing dedicated retail outlets in urban centres and introducing self-assessed certification systems to authenticate natural produce.
Adoption of best practices: For example, Andhra Pradesh Community Managed Natural Farming (APCNF) programme promoting natural farming practices has helped 6 million farmers.
