Revolutionizing Agriculture: PM Modi's National Mission on Natural Farming

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to launch the National Mission on Natural Farming (NMNF) on August 23, a groundbreaking Rs 2,481 crore initiative aimed at transforming sustainable agriculture across India. This centrally sponsored program targets the promotion of natural farming practices over 750,000 hectares, with the ambitious goal of enhancing the income of 10 million farmers.

Strategic Funding and Implementation

With the central government contributing Rs 1,584 crore and states adding Rs 897 crore, the NMNF is a collaborative effort to foster sustainable agriculture. The Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare will spearhead the scheme, initially running for two years, with plans for expansion based on success and budget utilization.

Objectives and Impact

The mission aims to improve crop yields, increase farm income, reduce input costs, and ensure better soil health, alongside generating rural employment. Prioritizing regions with existing natural farming practices, the initiative will cover 15,000 clusters in gram panchayats across states like Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat, and Tamil Nadu.

Innovative Support Systems

Under NMNF, 10,000 bio-input resource centers will be established to provide farmers with natural farming inputs. Additionally, a simplified certification system and unified branding will be introduced to market natural produce effectively. Real-time, geo-tagged monitoring via an online portal will ensure transparency and track progress.