{"id":17303,"date":"2026-04-06T10:31:34","date_gmt":"2026-04-06T10:31:34","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/jgu.edu.in\/jsgp\/jindal-policy-research-lab\/?p=17303"},"modified":"2026-04-06T10:31:36","modified_gmt":"2026-04-06T10:31:36","slug":"seeding-change-policy-perspectives-on-indias-national-mission-on-natural-farming","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/jgu.edu.in\/jsgp\/jindal-policy-research-lab\/seeding-change-policy-perspectives-on-indias-national-mission-on-natural-farming\/","title":{"rendered":"Seeding Change: Policy Perspectives on India’s National Mission on Natural Farming"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Source: Khan 91视频 Studies<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

By Sneha Chakraborty<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Executive Summary<\/strong><\/h5>\n\n\n\n

The National Mission on Natural Farming (NMNF) is a centrally-sponsored scheme launched to promote chemical-free, agroecology-based farming practices across India. Announced with an initial budget allocation in Union Budget 2023-24 and subsequently expanded, the mission aims to transition farmers toward sustainable agricultural practices that reduce input costs, improve soil health, and enhance farm incomes while addressing environmental concerns associated with chemical-intensive agriculture.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The mission builds upon existing natural farming initiatives, particularly the Bharatiya Prakritik Krishi Paddhati (BPKP) program and state-level movements like Andhra Pradesh’s Zero Budget Natural Farming. By promoting indigenous cow-based preparations, on-farm biomass recycling, and biological pest management, NMNF seeks to create a farmer-led movement toward agricultural sustainability. The mission aligns with India’s climate commitments, food security objectives, and the broader vision of doubling farmers’ incomes while reducing agriculture’s ecological footprint.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/a>Background<\/strong><\/h5>\n\n\n\n

<\/a>Context and Rationale<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Indian agriculture faces a critical juncture characterized by soil degradation, water depletion, declining biodiversity, and increasing farmer indebtedness due to high input costs. The intensive use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides over decades has resulted in diminishing returns, health hazards, and environmental degradation. Against this backdrop, natural farming emerges as a viable alternative that aligns with India’s traditional agricultural wisdom while addressing contemporary challenges.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What is Natural Farming?<\/strong><\/h5>\n\n\n\n

Natural farming is defined as a chemical-free farming system that applies ecological principles to agricultural practices. It is an agro-ecology-based diversified farming system integrating crops, trees, and livestock while promoting functional biodiversity. Key principles include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n