National Mission On Natural Farming (NMNF) - Complete Guide

India launched the National Mission on Natural Farming in October 2021 to promote low-input, ecology-based agriculture that utilises local resources and encourages traditional knowledge and systems. The National Mission promotes natural farming that reduces synthetic dependency, contributes to better soil and human health, and supports the resilience of livelihoods by endorsing research-tested and scientifically validated natural-farming practices. The Mission is implemented under the Central Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare.

This article will go through what NMNF is, the most current state of implementation, aims and targets, benefits, eligibility, how to register on the NMNF Portal, what documents you need, NMNF research and certification, and how Jaagruk Bharat will support your access to the scheme and increase awareness.

What Is The National Mission On Natural Farming?

The Mission promotes natural farming - a chemical-free farming system that adheres to and encourages on-farm inputs, integrates livestock, diversifies cropping, employs minimum tillage practices, promotes mulching, and does site-specific practices. The Mission is largely building on earlier programs that provided opportunities but lacked structured cluster implementation, financial incentives, new certification pathways, and a culture and approach to evidence-based scaling.

What Are The Objectives Of The National Mission On Natural Farming?

NMNF's objectives encompass more than just short-term subsidies; they aim for change at the level of farming systems. Below are the stated aims that the Mission is pursuing.

• Facilitate widespread implementation of chemical-free natural farming through training and demonstration models.

• Lower farm input costs and improve soil health, biodiversity and eventual yields.

• Establish Bio-input Resource Centres for local production/distribution of bio-inputs to smallholders at a reasonable price.

• Create a trusting Natural Farming Certification System to help ease marketing complications.

• Encourage research & innovation through competitive grants and establish good NMNF research outcomes.

Also Read: How The Government is Investing In The Future Of Indian Agriculture

What Are The Eligibility Criteria Of The National Mission On Natural Farming?

The eligibility criteria are designed to be inclusive to as many people as possible. Read the annotations to see who is eligible to participate.

Any willing farmer with land (especially small/marginal holdings) can enrol and trial up to 1 acre.

Enrolees must complete compulsory training modules and participate in cluster-level demonstrations.

State action plans can give preference to certain districts based on ecological and agronomic criteria like river basins, tribal regions, etc.

List Of Documents Required For The National Mission On Natural Farming?

Most forms of farmer registration don't require a lot of paperwork to register, but getting a few common documents helps to hasten the Aadhaar and bank seeding for incentive payments. So check on the checklist below.

• Aadhaar card

• Bank account details (passbook or cancelled cheque)

• Proof of landholding (if state requires)

• Mobile number to register for the portal access

• Group documents (if registering on behalf of FPO/SHG or for a BRC).