Key Facts about the Launch of the National Mission on Natural Farming

 References: ANA-JAS NEWS AFFAIR 2024-2025

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Introduction of National Mission on Natural Farming

The government of India is placing greater emphasis on sustainable agricultural practices to enhance soil health, reduce dependence on chemical fertilizers, and promote eco-friendly farming. In this context, the National Mission on Natural Farming (NMNF) was launched as a flagship initiative. This mission aims to transform Indian agriculture into a more resilient, sustainable, and resource-efficient system while empowering farmers with innovative, nature-based solutions.

Why is Natural Farming Important?

Natural farming is a chemical-free agricultural approach that relies on traditional practices, bio-inputs, and organic fertilizers. It encourages minimal soil disturbance, the use of green cover, and the cultivation of complementary crops to enhance biodiversity and ecosystem health.

Key benefits include:

• Improved Soil Health: Enhances microbial activity and organic carbon levels in the soil.
• Cost-Effectiveness: Reduces the dependency on expensive chemical fertilizers and pesticides.
• Climate Resilience: Promotes water conservation and builds crop resistance to climatic fluctuations.
• Food Security: Provides safe, nutrient-rich, and chemical-free food to consumers.

Key Highlights of the National Mission on Natural Farming (NMNF)

Objective:

The mission aims to scale up natural farming practices across India by creating awareness, building capacity, and supporting farmers financially and technically.

Implementation Framework:

• Focus on cluster-based farming, where groups of farmers collectively adopt natural farming practices.
• The mission operates under a convergence model, collaborating with schemes like the Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana (PKVY) and Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (RKVY).

Coverage Goals:

• Transition 10 million hectares of agricultural land to natural farming practices by 2030.
• Encourage one crore farmers to adopt natural farming methods.

Training and Capacity Building:

• Establishment of Natural Farming Learning Centers (NFLCs) in rural areas.
• Training modules for farmers and extension workers.
• Use of digital tools and platforms for knowledge dissemination.

Support Mechanism for Farmers:

• Financial incentives for adopting natural farming practices.
• Technical support, including soil testing, preparation of bio-inputs, and market linkages for organic produce.

Eco-Friendly Practices Promoted:

• Use of Jeevamrit, Ghanjeevamrit, and Beejamrit (natural bio-stimulants).
• Emphasis on intercropping, mulching, and agroforestry techniques.

Expected Outcomes

The National Mission on Natural Farming is expected to yield significant benefits:

• Economic Benefits: Reduce input costs and increase farmers’ net income.
• Environmental Gains: Lower carbon footprint of agriculture and reduce water pollution.
• Health Improvements: Provide safer, chemical-free food to consumers.

Conclusion

The launch of the National Mission on Natural Farming reflects the government's commitment to promoting sustainable and eco-friendly agricultural practices. By prioritizing nature-based solutions, the mission has the potential to not only enhance farmers’ livelihoods but also contribute to the broader goals of climate change mitigation and food security.

10 MCQs on National Mission on Natural Farming (NMNF)

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1. What is the primary goal of the National Mission on Natural Farming (NMNF)?
a) Promote the use of chemical fertilizers
b) Reduce dependence on pesticides and adopt eco-friendly farming
c) Increase urban farming practices
d) Introduce genetically modified crops

Answer: b) Reduce dependence on pesticides and adopt eco-friendly farming
Explanation: The NMNF focuses on chemical-free, eco-friendly agricultural practices that prioritize natural inputs, such as bio-stimulants, over synthetic fertilizers and pesticides.

2. Under which existing schemes does the National Mission on Natural Farming operate?
a) National Food Security Mission
b) Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana and Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana
c) Green Revolution Scheme
d) Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana

Answer: b) Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana and Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana
Explanation: NMNF works in convergence with these schemes to maximize outreach and effectiveness in promoting natural farming practices.

3. Which of the following is NOT a principle of natural farming?
a) Use of bio-stimulants like Jeevamrit and Beejamrit
b) Heavy use of synthetic pesticides
c) Minimal soil disturbance
d) Intercropping and mulching

Answer: b) Heavy use of synthetic pesticides
Explanation: Natural farming eliminates the use of synthetic chemicals, focusing instead on traditional and nature-based solutions to maintain soil and crop health.

4. What is the targeted area under natural farming practices by 2030?
a) 5 million hectares
b) 10 million hectares
c) 15 million hectares
d) 20 million hectares

Answer: b) 10 million hectares
Explanation: The NMNF aims to transition 10 million hectares of agricultural land to natural farming by 2030, ensuring a large-scale shift towards sustainable practices.

5. Which bio-stimulant is used to enhance seed germination in natural farming?
a) Jeevamrit
b) Beejamrit
c) Ghanjeevamrit
d) Panchagavya

Answer: b) Beejamrit
Explanation: Beejamrit is a bio-stimulant used specifically for treating seeds to promote better germination and protect against soil-borne diseases.

6. What type of farming model is promoted under NMNF for scalability?
a) Individual farming
b) Cluster-based farming
c) Corporate farming
d) Hydroponic farming

Answer: b) Cluster-based farming
Explanation: NMNF focuses on cluster-based farming, where groups of farmers collectively adopt natural farming techniques to ensure cost-effectiveness and community support.

7. What is the primary role of Natural Farming Learning Centers (NFLCs)?
a) Researching genetically modified crops
b) Providing training and capacity building for natural farming
c) Monitoring urban farming practices
d) Manufacturing bio-pesticides

Answer: b) Providing training and capacity building for natural farming
Explanation: NFLCs are hubs for educating farmers, extension workers, and rural communities about natural farming practices and their implementation.

8. Which of the following is an expected outcome of the NMNF?
a) Increased use of hybrid seeds
b) Higher dependency on chemical fertilizers
c) Improved soil organic carbon levels
d) Decline in food production

Answer: c) Improved soil organic carbon levels
Explanation: Natural farming enhances soil health by increasing microbial activity and organic carbon content, contributing to long-term agricultural sustainability.

9. How does NMNF contribute to climate change mitigation?
a) Encouraging chemical fertilizer use
b) Promoting water-intensive crops
c) Reducing agriculture’s carbon footprint
d) Discouraging crop rotation

Answer: c) Reducing agriculture’s carbon footprint
Explanation: Natural farming reduces reliance on synthetic chemicals and conserves natural resources, lowering the environmental impact of agriculture.

10. What financial support is provided to farmers under NMNF?
a) Subsidies for chemical fertilizers
b) Direct income for farm mechanization
c) Incentives for adopting natural farming practices
d) Loans for hybrid seed purchase

Answer: c) Incentives for adopting natural farming practices
Explanation: Farmers are financially supported to transition to natural farming, including assistance for preparing bio-inputs and accessing markets for their organic produce.