By Industrial Front
India is embarking on a transformative journey to promote sustainable agriculture through its upcoming National Mission on Natural Farming. Set to launch officially on August 23, the initiative was first introduced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2021 and has since gathered momentum. With a significant allocation of ₹2,481 crore, the mission is expected to benefit over 10 million farmers and cover 750,000 hectares of land.
Natural farming practices advocate minimal use of chemicals, emphasizing instead on bio-inputs such as cow dung, cow urine, and other organic materials. The goal is to rejuvenate soil health, reduce dependency on chemical fertilizers, and improve overall agricultural sustainability. States such as Gujarat, Himachal Pradesh, and Andhra Pradesh have already piloted successful models that are now being scaled nationwide.
A major component of the mission includes capacity-building initiatives and training programs to educate farmers about natural farming techniques. Government officials note that farmer field schools and demonstration plots will be critical in promoting hands-on learning. Additionally, efforts are underway to integrate traditional knowledge with scientific advancements, empowering farmers with both heritage and innovation.
This shift towards natural farming is also economically strategic. Rising input costs have placed heavy financial burdens on smallholder farmers. By minimizing external input dependency, natural farming promises cost savings and increased profitability. Environmental benefits include reduced water consumption, better biodiversity, and lower greenhouse gas emissions.
The mission has gained support from several agricultural experts, environmentalists, and policy think tanks. However, there are also concerns regarding the scalability and yield stability of natural farming, especially for high-demand crops. The government has assured it will monitor progress closely and provide performance-linked incentives.
As India strives to lead the global movement toward greener food production, the success of this mission could set a precedent for other developing nations seeking to balance food security with ecological integrity.