National Mission on Natural Farming (NMNF)

National Mission on Natural Farming - NMNF scheme - Krishicenter

The National Mission on Natural Farming (NMNF) is a dedicated Centrally Sponsored Scheme launched by the Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare. Restructured from the former Bharatiya Prakritik Krishi Paddhati (BPKP), NMNF aims to help farmers transition away from expensive chemical fertilizers and synthetic pesticides.

By adopting chemical-free, desi-cow-based agro-ecological practices, farmers can drastically lower their cultivation costs, improve long-term soil health, and earn higher profits.

Below is a detailed guide explaining the scheme’s core features, financial benefits, eligibility criteria, and step-by-step registration instructions.

1. Core Principles of Natural Farming

Unlike conventional farming or commercial organic farming (which often relies on costly purchased organic inputs), Natural Farming relies on on-farm, locally prepared biological concoctions.

  • No Synthetic Chemicals: Zero usage of urea, DAP, chemical pesticides, or weedicides.
  • Livestock Integration: Uses dung and urine from local breeds of cows (Desi Gau) to prepare bio-inputs.
  • Key On-Farm Formulations:
    • Beejamrut: Seed treatment using cow dung, urine, and lime to protect crops from seed-borne diseases.
    • Jeevamrit & Ghanjeevamrit: Fermented liquid and solid bio-enhancers that multiply soil microbes and earthworms.
    • Mulching (Acchadana): Covering the soil with crop residue to conserve moisture, prevent weed growth, and build soil carbon.
    • Whapasa: Maintaining a microclimate of air and water vapor in the soil for root growth.

2. Key Benefits for Farmers

Benefit CategorySpecific Advantage
Financial Subsidy₹4,000 per acre per year for 2 years (Direct Benefit Transfer to bank account) to offset transition costs.
Input Cost ReductionSaves thousands of rupees per acre previously spent on chemical inputs.
Free Bio-Inputs AccessAccess to Bio-Input Resource Centres (BRCs) for purchasing ready-to-use Jeevamrit/Beejamrut at nominal rates.
Soil Health RestorationRejuvenates depleted soil biology, increases water retention, and improves soil carbon levels.
Easy CertificationFree, simplified certification for naturally grown produce without complex paperwork.
Market Access & PriceAccess to a dedicated National Brand for natural produce, connecting farmers directly to buyers, Kisan Haats, and FPOs.

3. Eligibility Criteria

A common farmer can participate in the scheme by meeting these conditions:

  1. Who Can Apply: Individual small and marginal farmers, tenant farmers, Self-Help Groups (SHGs), Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs), and Primary Agricultural Credit Societies (PACS).
  2. Land Limit: Financial incentive is applicable for up to 1 acre (0.4 hectares) per beneficiary farmer.
  3. Livestock Ownership: Owning or having access to local cow breeds is preferred (though village BRCs cater to non-cow owners).
  4. Cluster Requirement: Farmers must join a local Natural Farming Cluster (typically 50-hectare village blocks formed by local agriculture departments).
  5. Exclusion: Farmers currently receiving organic subsidies under Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana (PKVY) for the same land parcel cannot double-claim.

4. Documents Required for Registration

Keep the following soft or hard copies ready before applying:

  • Aadhaar Card (Mandatory, must be linked to your active mobile number).
  • Land Ownership Record (Khasra/Khatauni/7-12 extract or registered tenancy lease).
  • Aadhaar-Linked Bank Passbook (Showing Account Number & IFSC for DBT transfers).
  • Passport-Sized Photograph.
  • Livestock Details (Number of local cows/cattle owned).
  • Caste Certificate (Required if applying under SC/ST category benefits).

5. How to Register & Apply (Step-by-Step)

Farmers can enroll through both online and offline channels:

Option A: Online Application (Self-Registration)

  1. Visit the Official NMNF Portal: Go to naturalfarming.dac.gov.in.
  2. Account Creation: Click on Farmer Registration / New Registration. Select your User Type as Practicing/Willing NF Farmer.
  3. Fill Personal Details: Enter your name, Aadhaar number, state, district, block, and village. Create a password.
  4. Enter Land & Crop Details: Input your total agricultural holding and specify how much area (e.g., 1 acre) you are committing to natural farming.
  5. Specify Practices & Livestock: Select which natural formulations you prepare (Beejamrut, Jeevamrit) and declare your cattle count.
  6. Final Submission: Review the application and click Submit. Save the unique Application ID generated for tracking.

Option B: Offline Application (Assisted Mode)

If you do not have smartphone access or internet connectivity:

  • Visit your nearest Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK), Block Agriculture Office, or local Krishi Sakhi / Gram Panchayat Coordinator.
  • Hand over copies of your Aadhaar, bank passbook, and land records to the officer. They will upload your application directly into the state cluster database.

6. How BRCs (Bio-Input Resource Centres) Help the Community

For farmers who do not own local cows or lack the time to prepare Jeevamrit or Beejamrit at home, the scheme funds 10,000 Bio-Input Resource Centres (BRCs) across the nation.

  • What BRCs Do: Managed by local agri-entrepreneurs, SHG members, or FPOs, BRCs prepare fresh, high-quality natural concoctions locally.
  • How Farmers Benefit: You can walk into your village BRC and buy ready-to-use Beejamrit or Jeevamrit at nominal cost, making it easy to practice chemical-free farming without hassle.

7. Support & Helpline

  • Official Portal: naturalfarming.dac.gov.in
  • Toll-Free Kisan Call Centre: 1800-180-1551
  • Local Contact Points: District Agriculture Officer (DAO), Block Technology Manager (BTM under ATMA), or local Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK).

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