NATIONAL MISSION ON NATURAL FARMING

The Union Cabinet approved the launch of the National Mission on Natural Farming (NMNF) as a centrally sponsored scheme under the Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare.

Natural Farming

Natural farming is a chemical-free, sustainable agricultural practice that relies on natural inputs like Jeevamrit (liquid fertilizer) and Beejamrit (seed treatment) derived from livestock resources.

Key Features of the National Mission on Natural Farming (NMNF)

• Model Demonstration Farms:

• • Establishment of 2,000 Model Demonstration Farms at Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs), Agricultural Universities (AUs), and farmers’ fields.
  • These farms will serve as training grounds and examples for farmers to adopt natural farming practices.

• Training and Awareness:

• • Farmer Master Trainers will train willing farmers in natural farming practices.
  • 30,000 Krishi Sakhis will be deployed for awareness generation, mobilization, and handholding of farmers in clusters.

• Preparation of Inputs:

• • Trained farmers will prepare natural farming inputs such as Jeevamrit (a natural liquid fertilizer) and Beejamrit (a seed treatment solution) using livestock-based resources.

• Financial Outlay:

• • Total budget: ₹2,481 crore.
  • Central Government Contribution: ₹1,584 crore.
  • State Contribution: ₹897 crore.

• Implementation Targets:

• • 15,000 clusters in Gram Panchayats will be developed over the next two years.
  • Aims to reach 1 crore farmers to initiate natural farming practices.

• Area Coverage:

• • The mission targets an additional 5 lakh hectares under natural farming.
  • Focus on regions with high fertiliser use and along the Namami Gange

• Certification and Branding:

• • Establishment of scientifically supported certification standards.
  • Creation of a single national brand for naturally grown chemical-free produce.

• Sustainability Goals:

• • Focus on rejuvenating soil health, improving soil fertility and quality.
  • Building resilience to climate risks like waterlogging, floods, and droughts.
  • Reducing health risks from excessive use of fertilisers and pesticides.

About Zero Budget Natural Farming (ZBNF)

ZBNF is a farming method developed by Subhash Palekar in India that promotes chemical-free and low-cost agriculture, focusing on self-sustaining natural processes.

Key Features of ZBNF

• Zero Budget:

• • Eliminates the need for external inputs like chemical fertilizers or pesticides.
  • Relies entirely on resources available on the farm.

• Natural Farming Practices:

• • Focuses on soil health and biodiversity using natural methods.
  • Avoids any external organic or inorganic products.

• Four Pillars of ZBNF:

• • Jeevamrutha: A microbial culture made of cow dung, cow urine, jaggery, and soil to enrich the soil.
  • Bijamrutha: A seed treatment using natural ingredients to protect seeds from pests and diseases.
  • Acchadana (Mulching): Covers the soil to preserve moisture, prevent weed growth, and enhance fertility.
  • Waaphasa (Soil Aeration): Maintains adequate soil aeration to prevent waterlogging and support root health.

• No Tillage or Chemical Inputs:

• • Prevents soil disturbance and avoids chemical intervention for pest or weed control.

• Cost Efficiency:

• • Reduces farming costs, making it ideal for small and marginal farmers.

• Water Conservation:

• • Encourages practices that retain soil moisture, reducing water dependency.

• Focus on Indigenous Cattle:

• • Promotes the use of local cow breeds for dung and urine, essential for Jeevamrutha preparation.

• Sustainability:

• • Encourages ecological balance and long-term soil fertility.

• Environment-Friendly:

• • Reduces pollution and mitigates the harmful effects of chemical fertilizers and pesticides.

• Health Benefits:

• • Produces chemical-free, nutritious crops, contributing to better consumer health.

Difference Between Organic and Natural Farming

Aspect	Organic Farming	Natural Farming
Definition	Uses organic inputs like compost and bio-pesticides.	Avoids all external inputs, relying on natural cycles.
Inputs	Organic fertilizers and bio-pesticides are used.	No fertilizers or pesticides; fully ecosystem-driven.
Philosophy	Certified sustainable farming method.	Harmony with nature; no certification needed.
Soil Fertility	Maintained with organic manure and compost.	Built naturally through mulching and cover crops.
Water Use	May require more water.	Promotes natural moisture retention, less water needed.
Cost & Yield	Higher costs, better yields.	Low costs, yields may be lower initially.