Progress of Natural Farming Under National Mission
The Union Cabinet approved the National Mission on Natural Farming (NMNF) on 25th November 2024 as a centrally sponsored scheme implemented across India to promote chemical-free farming methods. Natural farming involves livestock-integrated methods and diversified crop systems based on Indian traditional knowledge, aiming to improve soil health, restore ecosystems, reduce input costs for farmers, and achieve greater climate resilience through recognition of natural ecosystem interdependence.
Implementation Framework and Training
The Mission has identified 527 Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs), 76 Agriculture Universities (AUs), and 194 Local Natural Farming Institutes (LNFIs) to support cluster-level implementation. Additionally, 18 Centres of Natural Farming Institutes (CoNFs) provide training for scientists from KVKs and SAUs, state/district/block level officials, and Farmer Master Trainers (FMTs). At the cluster level, Community Resource Persons (CRPs) are deployed to handhold farmers on natural farming practices, with 33,257 Krishi Sakhis/CRPs trained so far under the Mission.
State-wise Coverage Data (2024-25 and 2025-26)
The Mission has achieved significant coverage with 18,893 clusters formed, 2,092,657 farmers enrolled, and 1,032,116.452 hectares brought under natural farming. Andhra Pradesh leads in implementation with 5,002 clusters, 650,163 farmers, and 425,912.564 hectares. Other major states include Rajasthan (2,380 clusters, 212,346 farmers, 91,165.58 hectares), Uttar Pradesh (1,857 clusters, 230,733 farmers, 83,166.9 hectares), and Madhya Pradesh (1,805 clusters, 167,661 farmers, 90,902.256 hectares). Smaller states and union territories show proportionate participation, with Andaman & Nicobar Islands having 2 clusters covering 250 farmers and 100 hectares, while Delhi has 6 clusters covering 375 farmers and 150 hectares.