National Mission on Natural Farming (NMNF)

Introduction 

The National Mission on Natural Farming (NMNF) is a government-backed agriculture scheme launched by the Government of India in 2022 to promote chemical-free, sustainable farming methods across the country. It aims to address the problem of soil degradation, high input costs, and harm to the environment caused by excessive use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides. Under NMNF, the focus is on encouraging farmers, self-help groups (SHGs), farmer producer organizations (FPOs), and agri-entrepreneurs to adopt natural farming practices that use locally available resources and traditional techniques. This agriculture scheme highlights the need for policy that supports healthier soil, reduced water needs, and food safety, making farming more profitable and sustainable for millions of smallholders across India. The mission outlines clear benefits, eligibility norms, and an application process so that farmers and groups in every state can participate and benefit from government guidance and support. NMNF is a step toward ensuring safe food, healthy soil, and improved livelihoods for India’s rural communities under an inclusive, farmer-first approach to development.

Overview of the Scheme

The National Mission on Natural Farming (NMNF) was launched by the Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare, Government of India, as a centrally sponsored scheme to encourage sustainable, chemical-free agriculture across India. The scheme is implemented with involvement from the Department of Agriculture, Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs), Agricultural Universities, and state-level agencies. These agencies support farmers through cluster-based projects and farm-level demonstrations.

The funding pattern for NMNF follows a Central:State share of 60:40 for most states, with a total outlay of approximately Rs. 2,481 crore until 2025-26 (Rs. 1,584 crore Central, Rs. 897 crore State). This ensures that states have a significant role while receiving substantial central support to reach farmers at the grassroots level.

Key sectors and components covered by NMNF include:

• Promotion of natural (chemical-free) farming inputs and training
• Establishment of Bio-input Resource Centres (BRCs) for input supply
• Development of Model Demonstration Farms at KVKs and universities
• Training and deployment of farmer master trainers and community resource persons
• Simple produce certification and common branding for natural farming products
• Market linkages through mandis, haats, and direct farmer sales

Currently, NMNF is being implemented in 15,000 clusters with a goal to reach 1 crore farmers and cover 7.5 lakh hectares. The program is ongoing and leverages both central schemes and state partnerships to maximize its adoption and impact. For example, a small group of farmers in a village might receive training and natural input supplies, and then market their certified produce directly at local markets through NMNF support.

Objectives 

The National Mission on Natural Farming (NMNF) objectives focus on making Indian agriculture more sustainable, affordable, and healthy for both farmers and consumers. This agriculture scheme targets a large number of farmers, aiming for practical on-ground changes that benefit soil health and reduce reliance on chemicals. These NMNF goals serve to build a future-ready, eco-friendly farming system across India.

• Promote natural farming methods that use local, chemical-free inputs and traditional knowledge to make Indian agriculture more sustainable.
• Support farmers to reduce dependency on expensive external fertilizers and pesticides, lowering overall input costs.
• Improve soil health, restore natural ecosystems, and boost organic matter and biodiversity on farmland.
• Increase climate resilience of farms by helping them withstand droughts, floods, and other environmental challenges.
• Provide training, handholding, and support to one crore farmers, including the creation of bio-input resource centers and model demonstration farms.
• Develop easy-to-follow certification and branding systems for natural farm produce, making it easier for farmers to access premium and local markets.
• Encourage wider adoption through cluster-based approaches, aiming to cover 7.5 lakh hectares across thousands of villages and panchayats.
• Empower local communities, SHGs, FPOs, and agri-entrepreneurs with knowledge, self-reliance, and new income opportunities through this agriculture scheme.
• Ensure safe, nutritious food for families and consumers while protecting human and environmental health.
• Foster long-term policy and institutional support for natural farming under the National Mission on Natural Farming (NMNF).

These objectives set the purpose for NMNF, providing a clear path to transforming Indian agriculture through sustainable, farmer-friendly methods and policies.

Key Features

The National Mission on Natural Farming (NMNF) brings a range of practical benefits and features to Indian agriculture, with a focus on supporting farmers to shift to cost-effective, chemical-free practices. Each benefit is designed to help farmers, communities, and the environment in clear and tangible ways.

• Subsidy for bio-input resource centres

Farmers and local groups can get assistance to set up or access Bio-input Resource Centres for ready-made natural inputs, reducing reliance on costly chemicals.

• (Example: A Self Help Group in a village sets up a centre to supply natural bio-inputs locally.)

• Demonstration farms for practical learning

Centres and model farms offer hands-on training, so even new adopters can easily understand natural farming methods and inputs.

(Example: Local KVK runs demo sessions using nearby fields and livestock.)

• Training and handholding for farmers

Large-scale training programs teach farmers affordable, proven ways to manage crops without synthetic fertilizers or pesticides, including follow-up support from master trainers and “Krishi Sakhis.”

• Reduced cultivation costs

Switching to natural inputs and homemade solutions cuts expenditure on external inputs, directly increasing net returns for small and marginal farmers.

• Output-based incentives

Eligible trained farmers practicing natural farming can receive incentives based on results, with support available for up to one acre.

• Simple produce certification

A streamlined process enables farmers to certify and market their naturally grown produce, making it easy to sell at premium or niche markets.

• Common branding for natural products

Farmers get access to a united national brand for their certified produce, building trust with consumers looking for chemical-free food.

• Deployment of Community Resource Persons

Each cluster receives trained community mobilizers (like Krishi Sakhis), providing on-ground help, awareness, and quick answers to farmers’ questions.

• Improved soil health and ecosystem revival

Practices promoted under NMNF help rejuvenate soil fertility, restore natural biodiversity, and increase water-use efficiency over time.

• Better resilience to climate stresses

Natural farming improves the ability of farms to cope with droughts, floods, and erratic weather by boosting soil structure and diversity.

• Coverage for all farmer categories

All farmers – including small, marginal, women, SC/ST, and those in special regions – are eligible for scheme benefits with no exclusion, so support reaches rural and remote communities equally.

• Regular monitoring and extension services

Each cluster benefits from ongoing checks, data tracking, and fast help with challenges through block, district, and national monitoring committees.

Together, these features and benefits ensure the National Mission on Natural Farming (NMNF) offers holistic, continuing support to transform farming into a more sustainable, productive, and farmer-friendly practice nationwide.

Eligibility Criteria 

Eligibility for the National Mission on Natural Farming (NMNF) is open and inclusive, aiming to make sure all types of farmers and rural organizations can apply as long as they meet simple official requirements. Specific mandatory documents or exclusions are mentioned when formally specified.

Eligibility Criteria

• Farmers (Individual)

Every farmer, including small and marginal farmers, is eligible for support under NMNF, regardless of land size or education level. There is no age bar, but the farmer should be actively engaged in agriculture in the identified cluster.

• Required documents: Aadhaar card, landholding records, and a bank passbook are generally required for identification and benefit transfer.

• Self-Help Groups (SHGs)

Registered SHGs with proof of active status and bank linkage may participate, especially for setting up Bio-input Resource Centres or working as community resource persons.

• Required documents: SHG registration certificate and proof of active bank account if participating as a group.

• Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs)

FPOs registered as legal Producer Companies, with an active, verifiable list of farmer members, can access grants or cluster-based support for natural farming components.

• Required documents: FPO registration certificate, member list as per official norms, and PAN/bank details as demanded by the scheme.

• Entrepreneurs, Rural Startups, Local Resource Persons

Rural entrepreneurs, including agri-startups and community resource persons (such as Krishi Sakhis), may be selected if working in approved clusters or linked through implementation agencies.

• Required documents: Evidence of entrepreneurship or community resource engagement (such as UDYAM or GST registration, if officially notified).

• Special Categories

Benefits are open to all farmer subgroups, with special focus on the inclusion of women, SC/ST, and those in hilly, tribal, or North Eastern states. There is no additional paperwork but proactive outreach ensures no group is left out.

• Not Eligible

Only applications for land or groups already enrolled under overlapping or duplicate government natural/organic farming schemes may be excluded. There is no exclusion based on education, age, or holding size.

Mandatory Documents (if officially specified)

• Aadhaar card for identification
• Land record showing applicant’s cultivation rights
• Bank account passbook or statement for fund transfer
• Registration proof (for SHGs, FPOs, or companies)
• Any other documents as notified in state or local guidelines

These eligibility criteria and required documents ensure that the benefits of the National Mission on Natural Farming (NMNF) reach genuine, active agricultural practitioners, making the scheme simple and accessible for everyone wanting to apply.

Application Process

The application process for the National Mission on Natural Farming (NMNF) is designed to be straightforward and accessible to farmers, self-help groups, FPOs, and entrepreneurs involved in natural farming. Below is a simple, step-by-step guide based on official instructions.

• Where to Apply

Applications are submitted online via the official NMNF portal at https://naturalfarming.dac.gov.in/. This portal serves as the primary platform for registration, application, and real-time progress tracking.

1. Registration and Login

First-time users must create an account by registering with basic details like name, mobile number, and email. Returning users can log in directly using their credentials.

• Filling the Application Form

The online form requires entering beneficiary details (name, ID proof), land or farm details (location, size, landholding records), selection of natural farming components (e.g., bio-input units, training), and bank details for fund transfers.

• Documents to Upload

Applicants need to upload self-attested copies of Aadhaar card, land records, bank passbook, and registration certificates (for SHGs/FPOs/entrepreneurs). Additional documents like detailed project reports or quotations may be required depending on the component.

• Application Fee

No application fee is charged to apply under the NMNF scheme.

• Acknowledgment and Application ID

After submission, an acknowledgment receipt and unique application ID are generated instantly. This ID helps track the application status online.

• Verification and Field Inspection

Local agriculture officers or community resource persons may conduct field visits to verify the information and suitability before approval.

• Approval and Assistance Release

Upon approval, benefits and subsidies are released directly to the beneficiary’s registered bank account via Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT). The scheme stipulates clear timelines for processing assistance.

• Offline Application Route

Farmers and groups can also approach the nearest Agriculture Department office, Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK), ATMA office, or Block Agriculture Office for assistance in application submission.

• Helpline and Support

For queries or support, applicants can contact the NMNF helpline at (011) 24303714 (9:00 AM to 5:30 PM) or email support-myscheme[at]digitalindia[dot]gov[dot]in. Visiting local agriculture offices is also encouraged for personalized help.

Tips to Avoid Common Mistakes

• Ensure name and Aadhaar details match exactly to avoid delays.
• Upload clear, self-attested copies of all required documents.
• Double-check land records and farm details before submission.
• Submit applications before deadlines stated by state or cluster authorities.

This clear application process helps make the National Mission on Natural Farming (NMNF) easily accessible to eligible beneficiaries, encouraging wider participation and timely benefit delivery.

Challenges  

The National Mission on Natural Farming (NMNF) faces several challenges and limitations that are acknowledged in official documents and reports. Understanding these common issues helps farmers, implementers, and policymakers work toward practical solutions for smoother adoption.

• Verification Delays

Challenge: Field verification and documentation checks can take time, causing delays in approvals.

What to do: Keep all land records and identity proofs updated and ready for inspection to speed up verification.

• Limited Budget for Scaling

Challenge: The available budget may limit how quickly clusters and farmers can be covered across all regions.

What to do: Prioritize cluster-level planning and actively engage local resource persons to optimize resource use.

• Seasonal Window Constraints

Challenge: Natural farming practices depend on seasonal cycles, so missing training or input supply windows can delay benefits.

What to do: Register and complete application steps well ahead of major cropping seasons to align with project timelines.

• Document Mismatch or Errors

Challenge: Incorrect or mismatched documents can result in rejection or delays.

What to do: Verify that all submitted documents like Aadhaar, land records, and bank details exactly match the application.

• Skepticism About Yield and Profitability

Challenge: Some farmers fear lower productivity during the transition to natural farming and hesitate to switch.

What to do: Start with small pilot plots, use demonstration farms, and learn from successful nearby farmers to build confidence.

• Lack of Certified Market Access

Challenge: Absence of a uniform certification system limits market demand and pricing for natural farming produce.

What to do: Join state or cluster-level collectives that facilitate common branding and marketing under the mission.

• Labour Intensity and Mechanization Gaps

Challenge: Natural farming requires increased manual labor, and mechanized tools suitable for NF are limited.

What to do: Plan labor resources early, explore community labor-sharing, and watch for new machines developed for NF.

• Climate and Regional Suitability Issues

Challenge: Natural farming success can vary by region and climate conditions, affecting adoption.

What to do: Consult local agriculture extension officers or KVKs for region-specific guidance and crop choices.

These challenges represent common hurdles faced by NMNF beneficiaries and coordinators. With careful preparation, local support, and awareness, most limitations can be managed effectively to ensure this agriculture scheme continues to benefit farmers sustainably.

Government Support & Future Outlook 

The National Mission on Natural Farming (NMNF) is designed to work in close connection with various existing agricultural schemes to create a comprehensive support system for farmers and farmer groups. This convergence or linkage helps maximize the benefits for participants by combining resources, knowledge, and market access.

NMNF links with schemes like PM-KISAN for direct income support to farmers, PMFME for micro-enterprise and marketing support, and PMFBY for crop insurance coverage. It also intersects with ATMA (Agricultural Technology Management Agency) for training and extension services, NFSM for crop development, and RKVY for state-level agricultural resources. This integration encourages farmer producer organizations (FPOs) and clusters to leverage multiple sources of aid effectively.

For example, a farmer involved in NMNF can simultaneously benefit from soil health improvement training under NMNF while receiving crop insurance via PMFBY and marketing assistance through PMFME. This holistic approach saves time and effort, reducing duplication and enhancing farm income and resilience.

Official updates include NMNF’s launch in late 2024 with an outlay of Rs. 2,481 crore, ongoing implementation in 15,000 clusters targeting 1 crore farmers over 7.5 lakh hectares till 2025-26. The mission remains aligned with other missions for sustained future scaling.

This convergence and future planning promise to make natural farming easier, more profitable, and widely accessible to India’s farming community under the National Mission on Natural Farming (NMNF).

Conclusion 

The National Mission on Natural Farming (NMNF) matters because it offers a sustainable way to improve soil health, reduce farming costs, and ensure safer food production across India. Small and marginal farmers benefit the most as the mission supports them with training, inputs, and financial assistance to switch to chemical-free natural farming. To take advantage of these benefits, interested farmers and groups should check their eligibility on the official NMNF portal (https://naturalfarming.dac.gov.in/), prepare required documents like Aadhaar and land records, and talk to their local agriculture office or Krishi Vigyan Kendra for guidance. This helps smooth the application process and timely access to benefits. It is important to verify the latest scheme details, updates, and timelines directly on the official portal or via the NMNF helpline to stay informed and avoid errors. 

Explore detailed resources on this scheme and the full suite of programmes at ALL ABOUT AGRICULTURE. For one-on-one assistance, call us at +91 8484002620.