Note4Students

From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :

Prelims level: Natural Farming;

Mains level: Significance of Natural Farming; National Mission on Natural Farming (NMNF);

Why in the News?

Recently, the Union Cabinet approved the “National Mission on Natural Farming (NMNF)”, a Centrally Sponsored Scheme by the Agriculture Ministry to promote natural farming nationwide in mission mode.

What is Natural Farming?

Natural farming is defined by the Agriculture Ministry as a chemical-free agricultural system that relies solely on inputs derived from livestock and plant resources. This approach emphasizes the use of local agroecological principles and traditional knowledge, integrating crops, trees, and livestock to enhance biodiversity and soil health.
Aim: The goal is to rejuvenate soil quality while minimizing external inputs, thus reducing costs for farmers and promoting healthier food production.

How is the NMNF Different from Earlier Interventions?

The NMNF represents an evolution of previous initiatives, particularly the Bhartiya Prakritik Krishi Paddhti (BPKP), which was launched in 2019.

Higher Budgetary Outlay: The NMNF has a total financial outlay of ₹2,481 crore, with ₹1,584 crore from the central government and ₹897 crore from states until 2025-26.
Targeting More Farmers: The mission aims to engage over one crore farmers, significantly expanding its reach compared to earlier efforts.
Establishment of Standards: It seeks to create scientifically supported standards and streamlined certification processes for naturally grown produce, along with a national brand for such products.

Why is it Necessary to Diversify the Farming Basket?

Environmental Sustainability: Reducing chemical inputs helps restore soil health and biodiversity, making agriculture more resilient to climate change.
Economic Viability: By promoting local inputs and reducing dependency on purchased fertilizers, farmers can lower their costs and increase their profitability.
Food Security: A diverse agricultural system can lead to improved food quality and nutritional security for communities.

Why a Mission on Natural Farming is Needed?

Excessive Fertilizer Use: The initiative targets districts with high fertiliser consumption, aiming to shift practices towards more sustainable methods that rejuvenate soil health and reduce environmental degradation.
Health Risks: By eliminating synthetic chemicals from farming, the mission aims to lower health risks associated with pesticide exposure for both farmers and consumers.
Climate Resilience: Natural farming practices enhance resilience against climate-related challenges such as droughts and floods by improving soil structure and water retention capabilities.

Way forward:

Policy and Infrastructure Support: Strengthen institutional frameworks by expanding Bio-input Resource Centres (BRCs), offering financial incentives, and ensuring easy access to natural farming resources and certification systems.
Awareness and Capacity Building: Conduct large-scale training programs for farmers on natural farming practices, promote successful models through Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs), and foster collaborations with agricultural universities for research and innovation.

Mains PYQ:

Q What is an Integrated Farming System? How is it helpful to small and marginal farmers in India? (UPSC IAS/2022)

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