The National Mission on Natural Farming (NMNF) was approved by the Union Cabinet on 25.11.2024 to promote Natural Farming across the country. Natural Farming is a chemical free farming, involving livestock integrated natural farming methods and diversified crop systems rooted in the Indian traditional knowledge. It aims to improve soil health, restoring ecosystems and reducing input cost to the farmers.

The mission target is 15,000 clusters to initiate Natural Farming in 7.5 Lakh Ha area covering 18.75 lakhs farmers and to make 1 crore farmers aware of Natural Farming. Till date, over 15 lakh farmers have been enrolled under the Mission. For easy availability of natural farming bio-inputs like Jeevamrit, Beejamrit, etc., the Mission provides for10,000 need-based Bio-input Resource Centres for natural farming farmers.

Natural farming is integrated with livestock involves use of on-farm inputs like Beejamrut, Jeevamrut, GhanJeevamrut, Neemastra, Dashparni, etc., multi-cropping systems, Pre-monsoon dry sowing, biomass based mulching, use of traditional varieties of seeds, integration of trees on buffer zones of farm, etc. By combining biological control, habitat management, and eco-friendly formulations, Natural Farming reduces dependence on chemical pesticides while maintaining crop health and productivity.

Department of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare (DA&FW) is implementing Centrally Sponsored Scheme of Per Drop More Crop (PDMC) in the Country from 2015-16. PDMC focuses on enhancing water use efficiency at farm level through Micro Irrigation namely Drip and Sprinkler Irrigation Systems. The Government provides financial assistance @ 55% for small and marginal farmers and @ 45% for other farmers for installation of Drip and Sprinkler systems under the PDMC. Besides some State Government also provide Top-up subsidy to farmers from their State Budget.Total area of 106.75 lakh ha. has been covered under micro irrigation through PDMC scheme as on 31.10.2025.

 

This information was given by Minister of State for Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Shri Ramnath Thakur in a written reply in Lok Sabha today.

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