The Union Cabinet on Monday made a major push for sustainable and chemical-free farming by approving the launch of the National Mission on Natural Farming (NMNF). The initiative with a total outlay of ₹2,481 crore ($294 million) will be implemented as a standalone Centrally Sponsored Scheme under the Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers' Welfare.

What is the mission all about?

The mission is to assist farmers in natural farming as a traditional knowledge-based activity. Natural Farming (NF) focuses on chemical-free methods, local livestock integration, and diversified cropping systems suited to the specific agroecological needs of the region.

Information and Broadcasting Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, while addressing the media after the Cabinet meeting, stated:

“PM Modi-led NDA government is committed to the farmers' welfare. Today a big decision has been taken in this regard - the National Mission on Natural Farming. It's a path-breaking decision, as we all know that there is a big requirement in our country to keep the land free of chemicals... This project is estimated to be around ₹2,481 crores ($294 million).”

How will the mission work?

The scheme is split between contributions from the central and state governments. The Government of India will contribute ₹1,584 crore ($187 million), while the states will share ₹897 crore ($106 million) till the 15th Finance Commission period (2025-26).

The NMNF is expected to free farmers from expensive external inputs and further decrease cultivation costs, as a fact released officially states. The mission will develop biodiversity, diverse cropping, and climate-resilient agriculture through a healthy soil ecosystem.

Benefits of natural farming

The mission focuses on providing safe, chemical-free, and nutritious food for all while ensuring sustainability in agriculture. Key benefits include:

Lower cultivation costs: Farmers' dependence on chemical fertilizers and external inputs will be less.

Lower cultivation costs: Farmers will rely less on chemical fertilizers and external inputs.

Improved soil health: Building a robust soil ecosystem will lead to sustainable farming.

Resilience to climate change: Diverse cropping systems will better adapt to local agroecological conditions.

Healthier food: The mission prioritizes nutritious and safe food for both farmers and consumers.

The NMNF is an effort towards recovery of age-old cultivation by infusing the present scientific techniques to tackle the challenges of the future. By improving biodiversity, chemical usage is lessened, and eco-friendly practices are encouraged so that the mission secures a sustainable agricultural future for India.

The government's focus on natural farming shall result in long-term benefits to the farmers, consumers, as well as the environment itself.