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National Mission on Natural Farming: Progress and Implementation

UPSC / SSC current affairs note · IR

AgricultureIRSchemes

Why in news

The Union Cabinet approved the National Mission on Natural Farming (NMNF) as a centrally sponsored scheme on 25 November 2024. Recent data shows over 20.92 lakh farmers have been enrolled and 10.32 lakh hectares brought under natural farming across 31 states/UTs as of July 2026.

Background

Natural farming is a chemical-free agricultural practice integrating livestock, diverse cropping systems, and Indian traditional knowledge. It aims to improve soil health, restore ecosystems, reduce input costs, and enhance climate resilience.

Key facts

in5points

  1. NMNF was approved by the Union Cabinet on 25 November 2024 as a centrally sponsored scheme.

  2. As of July 2026, 18,893 clusters have been formed, with 20,92,657 registered farmers covering 10,32,116.452 hectares.

  3. Andhra Pradesh leads with 5,002 clusters, 6,50,163 farmers, and 4,25,912.564 hectares.

  4. Other top states: Madhya Pradesh (1,805 clusters, 1,67,661 farmers), Rajasthan (2,380 clusters, 2,12,346 farmers), Uttar Pradesh (1,857 clusters, 2,30,733 farmers).

  5. 527 Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs), 76 Agricultural Universities (AUs), and 194 Local Natural Farming Institutes (LNFIs) are identified for cluster-level implementation.

  6. 18 Centers of Natural Farming (CoNF) train scientists, officials, and Farmer Master Trainers (FMTs).

  7. 33,257 Krishi Sakhis/Community Resource Persons (CRPs) have been trained so far.

  8. Natural farming is chemical-free, livestock-integrated, and based on Indian traditional knowledge.

  9. It improves soil health, restores ecosystems, reduces input costs, and enhances climate adaptability.

Prelims pointers

  • National Mission on Natural Farming (NMNF)
  • Centrally Sponsored Scheme
  • Approved: 25 November 2024
  • Implementing Ministry: Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare
  • Key bodies: KVKs, AUs, LNFIs, CoNF
  • Community Resource Persons (CRPs) / Krishi Sakhis
  • Farmer Master Trainers (FMTs)
  • States with highest coverage: Andhra Pradesh, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh

Mains angles

  • GS3 Agriculture: Discuss the role of natural farming in sustainable agriculture and its impact on soil health, input costs, and climate resilience.
  • GS3 Environment: Evaluate how NMNF contributes to ecosystem restoration and biodiversity conservation.
  • GS2 Government Policies: Critically examine the implementation challenges and scalability of NMNF across diverse agro-climatic zones.