Key Terms & Concepts — UPSC Mains
Natural Farming
"A chemical-free, low-cost farming system based on local resources, livestock and traditional ecological knowledge"
Natural Farming is a chemical-free agricultural approach that avoids synthetic fertilisers and pesticides, relying instead on on-farm inputs such as cow dung and urine, mulching, biomass recycling and diverse cropping to sustain soil biology. In India it is promoted through the National Mission on Natural Farming (NMNF), launched in November 2024 as a standalone Centrally Sponsored Scheme with an outlay of Rs 2,481 crore. It aims to cut input costs for farmers, restore soil health and reduce the environmental footprint of agriculture.
Relevant for GS3 (sustainable agriculture, soil health, farmer incomes, climate resilience). Natural farming addresses input-cost distress, groundwater and soil degradation, and chemical residue in food. The NMNF targets 1 crore farmers and 7.5 lakh hectares through 15,000 clusters, making it a flagship in India's transition to regenerative agriculture and a frequent Prelims and Mains anchor in 2026.
- 1 National Mission on Natural Farming launched November 2024; outlay Rs 2,481 crore up to the 15th Finance Commission period
- 2 Targets 1 crore farmers and 7.5 lakh hectares through 15,000 clusters
- 3 Incentive of Rs 4,000 per acre per year for two years to encourage adoption
- 4 Relies on local inputs, cow-based preparations, mulching and multi-cropping instead of synthetic agrochemicals
- 5 Supported by about 10,000 Bio-input Resource Centres and trained Krishi Sakhis for last-mile guidance
- 6 Distinct from certified organic farming, which allows purchased organic inputs
- 7 Improves soil organic carbon, cuts costs and lowers chemical residue in produce
By 2025 more than 10 lakh farmers had enrolled under the National Mission on Natural Farming, with over 1,100 model farms and thousands of Bio-input Resource Centres set up to move farmers away from costly agrochemicals.
