National Mission on Natural Farming
The National Mission on Natural Farming (NMNF) is a central government initiative that encourages Indian farmers to switch to chemical-free, nature-based farming practices using local resources and indigenous cow-based inputs. It aims to reduce input costs, improve farmer incomes, and build sustainable soil health without synthetic fertilisers or pesticides. Farmers can apply through their local Zila Parishad office.
About This Scheme
The National Mission on Natural Farming (NMNF) is a central government initiative that encourages Indian farmers to switch to chemical-free, nature-based farming practices using local resources and indigenous cow-based inputs. It aims to reduce input costs, improve farmer incomes, and build sustainable soil health without synthetic fertilisers or pesticides. Farmers can apply through their local Zila Parishad office.
Full official description
National Mission on Natural farming aims at creating institutional capacities for documentation and dissemination of best practices, make practicing farmers as partners in promotion strategy, ensure capacity building and continuous handholding and finally attracting farmers to the natural farming willingly on the merit of the system.
The main objectives of the scheme are:
- To promote alternative system of farming for freedom from external purchased inputs, cost reduction and thereby increasing income of farmers
- To popularize integrated agriculture-animal husbandry models based on desi cow and local resources.
- To collect, validate and document Natural Farming practices being practiced in various parts of the country and to encourage participatory research with farmers on further up scaling
- To undertake activities for awareness creation, capacity building, promotion, and demonstration of Natural Farming.
- To create standards, certification procedure and branding for Natural Farming products for national and international markets.
Benefits
- Reduced farming costs by eliminating the need for synthetic fertilisers and pesticides
- Similar or higher crop yields compared to conventional farming reported by practitioners
- Improved soil health and agrobiodiversity over time
- Better nutritional quality of produce, supporting premium market pricing
- Training, capacity building, demonstrations, and continuous handholding provided
- Support for certification and branding of natural farming products for domestic and export markets
Who Can Apply (Eligibility)
- Open to all farmers in India
- No restrictions on farm size, crop type, or income level
- Both individual farmers and groups/clusters are eligible
- Farmers using desi cow-based inputs and traditional agricultural practices are prioritised
How to Apply
Step 01: Interested beneficiary can get in touch with Zila Parishad to apply for the scheme.
Step 02: Zila Parishad Officer will submit applicant’s details and project plan to State Agriiculture Department.
Step 03: State Agriiculture Department will prepare a State Annual Action Plan
Step 04: Once funds from State are approved, financial assistance will be released to beneficiary.
Frequently Asked Questions
What benefits are covered under this scheme?
It will help the individuals to undertake activities, capacity building, promotion, and demonstration of Natural Farming and will also help in creating standards, certification procedure and branding for Natural Farming products for national and international markets.
Do I need any educational qualifications to be eligible for the scheme?
No, anyone can apply for the scheme irrespective of their educational qualifications
Where to apply for the scheme?
Individual should contact their respective Zila Parishad and inform them about their needs for the scheme. The zila Parishad will brief the process and take it forward
Ready to apply?
Visit the official government portal to apply for this scheme.
Apply on myScheme.gov.inDocuments Required
- ) Aadhaar number
- ) Land documents
- ) Caste Certificate (SC/ST only)
- ) Bank Details
- ) Photographs
- The specific documents for availing the benefits of the program may vary depending on the type of intervention and the state. It is recommended to consult with the relevant authorities for detailed information on documents to be submitted.