The Indian government unveiled a major initiative aimed at promoting natural farming across the country. Announced after a Cabinet meeting led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the National Mission on Natural Farming is set to cover 7.5 lakh hectares of farmland and engage one crore farmers over the next two years. With a significant budget outlay of Rs 2,481 crore, the mission is poised to make a substantial impact on the agricultural landscape.

The mission’s goal is to establish 15,000 natural farming clusters across various panchayats, encouraging farmers in these areas to adopt chemical-free, nature-based farming practices. As Information and Broadcasting Minister Ashwini Vaishnav explained in a media briefing, “There is a need to improve the quality of soil and maintain the health of the people with chemical-free food… National Mission on Natural Farming is a path-breaking decision.”The initiative builds on earlier successful experiments with natural farming, conducted in the years 2019-20 and 2022-23. These trials have laid the foundation for the mission’s large-scale implementation. According to Vaishnav, around 10 lakh hectares in India are already under natural farming, and the new scheme aims to significantly expand this area, reaching a target of 7.5 lakh hectares through the establishment of farming clusters.The government plans to promote natural farming in a “mission mode,” with the mission set to run until 2025-26. The focus will be on reducing farmers’ reliance on purchased chemical inputs, improving soil health, and lowering input costs. The initiative will also promote integrated farming systems, combining agriculture with animal husbandry, and seek to standardise certification processes for naturally grown, chemical-free produce.The mission will also emphasise research and capacity-building efforts, particularly through agricultural institutions like ICAR (Indian Council of Agricultural Research), Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs), and local farming institutions. An essential aspect of the mission will be the training of 18.75 lakh farmers, who will receive support in small batches of 30 at various agricultural universities and extension centers. Furthermore, the government will establish 10,000 bio-input resource centers to help farmers access the necessary resources for natural farming.To track and monitor progress, an online digital platform will be created. This platform will feature a geo-tagged database containing information on practicing farmers, soil health, input costs, and other key metrics. This digital system will provide transparency and help the government assess the mission’s impact.As part of the mission, there will also be efforts to create a unified national brand for chemical-free produce, promoting the benefits of natural farming to consumers and establishing common standards for certification. The government hopes these measures will not only boost soil health and agricultural sustainability but also improve public health by providing access to chemical-free, nutritious food.Through these comprehensive strategies, the National Mission on Natural Farming seeks to reshape India’s agricultural future, fostering a more sustainable, eco-friendly approach to farming that benefits both the environment and the farmers who depend on it.