National Mission on Natural Farming in India, Know More About It

National Mission on Natural Farming (nmnf)

The National Mission on Natural Farming is a strategic initiative aimed at strengthening the foundations of sustainable agriculture in India. This mission focuses on building institutional capacities to document and disseminate best practices, actively involving farmers in the promotion strategy, providing continuous support, and attracting them to embrace natural farming willingly.

Overview table of National Mission on Natural Farming

Aspect	Details
Initiative Name	National Mission on Natural Farming
Overview	A strategic initiative aimed at strengthening sustainable agriculture in India by promoting natural farming practices.
Objectives	– Promoting Alternative Farming Systems – Popularizing Integrated Agriculture-Animal Husbandry Models – Documentation and Upscaling of Natural Farming Practices – Awareness Creation and Capacity Building – Standardization and Certification
Benefits of Natural Farming	– Comparable Yields and Increased Incomes – Healthier Produce – Improved Soil Biology and Agrobiodiversity – Sustainable Water Usage
Eligibility	All farmers in India
Application Process	1. Contact Zila Parishad 2. Submission to State Agriculture Department 3. State Annual Action Plan 4. Release of Financial Assistance
Required Documents	– Aadhaar number – Land documents – Caste Certificate (SC/ST only) – Bank details – Photographs
Note on Required Documents	Documents may vary depending on intervention type and state; applicants advised to consult relevant authorities.
Conclusion	The National Mission on Natural Farming aims to revolutionize traditional agricultural practices in India by promoting alternative farming, integrated agriculture-animal husbandry models, and standardized certification. It offers benefits such as increased incomes, healthier produce, and sustainable practices, with an inclusive application process for all Indian farmers.

National Mission on Natural Farming Launch Date

The National Mission on Natural Farming (NMNF) was formulated as a separate and independent scheme from 2023-24 by upscaling the Bhartiya Prakritik Krishi Paddati (BPKP). This mission aims to motivate farmers to adopt chemical-free farming practices and enhance the reach of natural farming.

Natural Farming, based on desi cow and locally available resources, eliminates chemical fertilizers and pesticides. It promotes traditional indigenous practices, emphasizing on-farm biomass recycling, managing pests through diversity, and improving natural nutrient cycling.

Objectives of the Scheme

The key objectives of the National Mission on Natural Farming are multifaceted, aiming to revolutionize traditional farming practices:

1. Promoting Alternative Farming Systems:
   The mission strives to encourage alternative farming systems to liberate farmers from external input dependencies, reduce costs, and subsequently increase their income.
2. Popularizing Integrated Agriculture-Animal Husbandry Models:
   Emphasizing desi cow and local resources, the scheme promotes integrated agriculture-animal husbandry models for sustainable and holistic farming practices.
3. Documentation and Upscaling of Natural Farming Practices:
   The mission seeks to collect, validate, and document natural farming practices across the country. Additionally, it encourages participatory research with farmers for further upscaling.
4. Awareness Creation and Capacity Building:
   Activities like awareness creation, capacity building, promotion, and demonstration of natural farming are integral components of the mission, aiming to educate and empower farmers.
5. Standardization and Certification:
   The scheme aims to create standards, establish certification procedures, and develop branding for natural farming products, fostering their recognition in national and international markets.

Benefits of Natural Farming

The adoption of natural farming practices comes with a myriad of benefits, making it a viable and attractive option for farmers:

1. Comparable Yields and Increased Incomes:
   Farmers practicing natural farming report yields comparable to conventional methods, and in some cases, even higher. The approach leads to increased net incomes through cost reduction, reduced risks, and income from intercropping.
2. Healthier Produce:
   Natural farming eliminates the use of synthetic chemicals, resulting in produce with higher nutritional density. This, in turn, offers better health benefits and mitigates health risks associated with chemical residues.
3. Improved Soil Biology and Agrobiodiversity:
   Natural farming practices contribute to better soil biology, enhanced agrobiodiversity, and a judicious usage of water, all with significantly smaller carbon and nitrogen footprints.
4. Sustainable Water Usage:
   By employing diverse crops that complement each other and cover the soil, natural farming optimizes water usage, ensuring maximum productivity with minimal water loss through evaporation.

National Mission on Natural Farming Apply Online and Eligibility

The National Mission on Natural Farming is inclusive, targeting all farmers in India. The application process is straightforward and offline:

1. Contact Zila Parishad:
   Interested beneficiaries can approach the Zila Parishad to express their interest in the scheme.
2. Submission to State Agriculture Department:
   The Zila Parishad Officer submits the applicant’s details and project plan to the State Agriculture Department.
3. State Annual Action Plan:
   The State Agriculture Department prepares a State Annual Action Plan for the scheme.
4. Release of Financial Assistance:
   Once the funds from the state are approved, financial assistance is released to the beneficiary.

Required Documents

To streamline the application process, specific documents are necessary:

1. Aadhaar number
2. Land documents
3. Caste Certificate (SC/ST only)
4. Bank details
5. Photographs

It’s important to note that the required documents may vary depending on the intervention type and state. As such, applicants are encouraged to consult with relevant authorities for detailed information on the documents needed to avail the benefits of the program.

Conclusion: National Mission on Natural Farming

In conclusion, the National Mission on Natural Farming stands as a transformative initiative, strategically aimed at revolutionizing traditional agricultural practices in India. With objectives encompassing alternative farming systems, integrated agriculture-animal husbandry models, and standardized certification, the mission seeks to not only enhance yields and farmer incomes but also promote healthier produce and sustainable farming practices.

Its inclusivity and streamlined application process make it accessible to farmers nationwide. As natural farming gains momentum, it holds the promise of not just cultivating crops but sowing the seeds for a sustainable, prosperous, and environmentally conscious future for Indian agriculture.

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