The Central Government’s National Mission on Natural Farming (NMNF) encourages farmers to grow crops without chemical fertilisers and purchased chemical inputs. The Union Cabinet approved it on 25 November 2024, and it is a Centrally Sponsored Scheme of the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare. The mission has a total outlay of ₹2,481 crore — the Centre’s share is ₹1,584 crore and the states’ share is ₹897 crore.
What benefit does a farmer get
Farmers enrolled in the mission get an incentive of ₹4,000 per acre every year — paid for 2 years, up to a maximum of 1 acre, in instalments after the farmer completes the expected natural farming practices and training. Apart from the cash incentive, farmers get free training at Krishi Vigyan Kendras and Agricultural Universities, and continuous on-field guidance from Krishi Sakhis.
How natural farming works
In natural farming, crops are grown with bio-inputs such as Jeevamrit and Beejamrit, made from cow dung, cow urine, jaggery and pulses — there is no need for chemical fertilisers and pesticides bought from the market. This reduces the cost of cultivation, improves soil health, and makes crops more resilient to risks such as drought and flood. Under the mission, 30,000 trained Krishi Sakhis (CRPs) are teaching natural farming in village after village, and 18.75 lakh farmers are being trained to prepare bio-inputs such as Jeevamrit and Beejamrit.
Progress of the mission so far
As of 5 March 2026, 18,786 natural farming clusters have been formed in the country, 8.80 lakh hectares have been covered, and 18.19 lakh farmers have been enrolled. In a survey, about 91% of farmers reported higher crop productivity and better soil health after switching to natural farming, and almost 90% reported a fall in input costs. The mission targets 15,000 clusters, 1 crore farmers and 7.5 lakh hectares; 10,000 Bio-input Resource Centres (BRCs) are being set up, from where farmers can buy ready-made natural inputs.
How a farmer can join
To join the Natural Farming Mission, a farmer should contact his or her village Gram Panchayat or the agriculture department — clusters are formed at the village level. Farmers can also register for free training at their district Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK). The mission’s guidelines and information are available on the official website naturalfarming.dac.gov.in. Note that the incentive is paid in instalments after the farmer adopts natural farming practices — do not pay anyone for applying.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: How much money does a farmer get under the Natural Farming Mission?
A: An incentive of ₹4,000 per acre a year, for 2 years and up to 1 acre — along with free training and guidance from Krishi Sakhis.
Q2: What is the mission’s target?
A: 15,000 clusters, 1 crore farmers and 7.5 lakh hectares — with a total outlay of ₹2,481 crore, of which the Centre’s share is ₹1,584 crore.
Q3: What is used in natural farming?
A: Bio-inputs such as Jeevamrit and Beejamrit made from cow dung, cow urine, jaggery and pulses — no chemical fertilisers or pesticides are needed.
Q4: How can a farmer join the mission?
A: Contact your Gram Panchayat or agriculture department, or register for training at a KVK — information is also on naturalfarming.dac.gov.in.
Useful links
- Natural Farming Mission Portal: https://naturalfarming.dac.gov.in/
- National Mission on Natural Farming on MyScheme: https://www.myscheme.gov.in/schemes/nmnf
- Next Action: see all 726 Central Government schemes — /english/kendra-sarkar-ki-yojnayen-2/
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