National Mission on Natural Farming – An Overview

Abstract

Natural Farming (NF), a sustainable agricultural approach integrating traditional methods with ecological principles. It reduces dependency on chemical inputs and external markets, promoting soil health, biodiversity, and climate resilience. Key practices include the use of Beejamrut, Jeevamrut, mulching, whaphahasa and diversified cropping systems, alongside integrating livestock. NF aligns with agro-ecological principles, fostering soil fertility, water conservation, and ecosystem sustainability. Supported by the National Mission on Natural Farming (NMNF), this approach seeks to create clusters of farmers implementing NF practices to scale adoption nationally. The mission emphasizes capacity-building, research, and collaboration between scientific institutions and farmers to refine and promote location-specific practices. NF contributes to reducing greenhouse gas emissions, enhancing farmer incomes, and providing safe, chemical-free food. By addressing contemporary agricultural challenges, NF offers a transformative model for sustainable development and a resilient farming future.