AI SummaryNational Mission on Natural Farming is a central government scheme that helps Indian farmers move to chemical-free agriculture by scaling up the earlier Bhartiya Prakritik Krishi Paddati. The Union Cabinet approved this standalone Centrally Sponsored Scheme on 25 November 2024 with a total outlay of ₹2,481 crore, and it is being rolled out across the country through 15,000 natural farming clusters.
The scheme supports individual farmers and institutions with training, certification and market linkage for natural produce. As of August 2026, more than 10 lakh farmers have already enrolled, and the mission continues to expand its coverage under the Department of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare.
National Mission on Natural Farming - Introduction
National Mission on Natural Farming exists to encourage farmers to switch to chemical-free agricultural practices. By scaling up the earlier Bhartiya Prakritik Krishi Paddati, this program aims to expand the footprint of natural farming across India. It is a restructured form of the earlier BPKP, which was earlier run under the Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana from 2020-21 to 2022-23.
This mission builds institutional capacity to document and share the best agricultural methods. It makes practicing farmers active partners in the promotion strategy. Through continuous handholding and training, this scheme helps farmers adopt natural farming based on its proven merits for their land and health.
The mission targets natural farming in 7.5 lakh hectares across 15,000 clusters, sets up 10,000 need-based Bio-input Resource Centres, and aims to create awareness among 1 crore farmers. Farmers get a simple certification system and a common national brand for their naturally grown chemical-free produce.
The primary objectives of this mission are given below.
- Promoting alternative farming systems that free farmers from buying expensive external inputs, thereby cutting costs and raising net income.
- Popularizing integrated models of agriculture and animal husbandry that rely on local resources and desi cows.
- Documenting successful natural farming practices from across the country to encourage participatory research.
- Conducting awareness campaigns, training sessions and demonstrations to improve farmer skills.
- Establishing clear standards, certification procedures and branding for natural products in national and international markets.
Key Information
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Scheme Name | National Mission on Natural Farming |
| Level | Central |
| Scheme For | Individual |
| Beneficiary States | All |
| Category | Agriculture, Rural and Environment |
| Target Beneficiaries | Individual, University/Institution |
| Benefit Type | Composite |
| DBT Scheme | No |
| Nodal Ministry | Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare |
| Nodal Department | Department of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare |
| Implementing Agency | State Government Departments |
| Total Outlay | ₹2,481 crore |
| Incentive | ₹4,000 per acre per year for 2 years |
| Official Website | naturalfarming.dac.gov.in |
| Tags | Natural Farming, Agro Ecology, Chemical-free Farming |
Benefits
When farmers adopt the practices under National Mission on Natural Farming, they enjoy several advantages. Farmers have reported that their yields remain consistent with conventional methods, and in many cases, they see higher harvests per season.
Because farmers avoid synthetic chemicals, they lower health risks for their family and community. Natural products are often more nutrient dense. Additionally, these methods improve soil biology and boost biodiversity, ensuring a better legacy for the land. Farmers also use water more efficiently, saving resources while minimizing their carbon and nitrogen footprint.
The scheme provides an output-based incentive of ₹4,000 per acre per year for two years, up to a maximum of one acre per farmer. This payment supports natural farming practice, upkeep of livestock and preparation of natural farming inputs. Farmers also get free training at Krishi Vigyan Kendras and access to Bio-input Resource Centres for easy supply of natural inputs.
This scheme makes farming more profitable by reducing dependency on purchased inputs. For example, if a farmer reduces spending on fertilizers by moving to natural manure, net profit increases significantly even if the yield stays stable. By intercropping different varieties, farmers also protect their soil and increase their income streams.
Eligibility
This scheme is open to all farmers across India who are interested in transitioning to sustainable, chemical-free agricultural practices. All farmers, including small and marginal farmers, are eligible to avail the benefits under the mission. Each farmer can initiate natural farming on a small landholding and is eligible for support up to a maximum area of one acre.
New farmers can join a natural farming cluster at the beginning of each crop season. The clusters are formed by States and Union Territories, with each cluster covering a contiguous area of about 50 hectares and roughly 125 farmers.
Application Process
Farmers should follow this simple process to join the mission and get support.
STEP 1 - Visit the official website at naturalfarming.dac.gov.in and check the farmer enrollment dashboard and related details for the current financial year.
STEP 2 - Contact the local agriculture department or the nearest Krishi Vigyan Kendra to find the natural farming cluster in the area and confirm eligibility.
STEP 3 - Share the required personal and land details with the cluster coordinator or the Krishi Sakhi of the cluster, who will guide the farmer on natural farming practices.
STEP 4 - Once the proposal is included in the State Annual Action Plan and approved, the authorities release the financial assistance directly to the farmer.
Documents
To participate, farmers should have the following documents ready.
- Aadhaar card
- Valid land ownership documents
- Caste certificate, only for SC/ST applicants
- Active bank account details
- Recent photographs
Requirements may change slightly based on the state or specific project intensity. Farmers should consult their local agriculture department office for any additional forms required in their area.
References
National Mission on Natural Farming Official Website
View Official NMNF Guidelines PDF
PIB Explainer on National Mission on Natural Farming
FAQ's
What benefits does this scheme cover?
It provides support for capacity building, skill training and demonstrations of natural farming. It also gives an output-based incentive of ₹4,000 per acre per year for two years and helps farmers access certification and branding services so they can sell produce in premium markets.
Do I need a specific degree or education to join?
No, there is no need for any formal educational qualification. Any farmer interested in natural agriculture can join the mission.
How do I start the application?
Visit the official website at naturalfarming.dac.gov.in and then contact the local agriculture department or the nearest Krishi Vigyan Kendra. The cluster coordinator or Krishi Sakhi will guide the farmer through the initial steps and local requirements.