Content

1. National Mission on Natural Farming
2. India Achieves Historic Milestone of 100 GW Solar PV Module Manufacturing Capacity under ALMM

National Mission on Natural Farming

Genesis and Evolution

• Approval & Launch:
  • Approved by Union Cabinet on 25 November 2024.
  • Operational till 15th Finance Commission cycle (2025–26).
  • Launched as a standalone Centrally Sponsored Scheme (CSS).
• Predecessor Scheme:
  • Restructured from Bharatiya Prakritik Krishi Paddhati (BPKP), which was under Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana (PKVY, 2020–23).
• Budgetary Outlay:
  • ₹2,481 crore total (Centre ₹1,584 crore; States ₹897 crore).
• Policy Shift:
  • From input-intensive agriculture (Green Revolution model) → to low-input, ecosystem-based farming.
  • Emphasis on traditional knowledge validated by science.

Relevance : GS 2(Governance) ,GS 3(Agriculture)

Objectives of NMNF

• Promote chemical-free agriculture and reduce farmer dependence on costly chemical fertilizers & pesticides.
• Enhance soil health and biodiversity, making farms climate-resilient.
• Strengthen farmer incomes through cost reduction and better market branding of NF produce.
• Establish 7.5 lakh hectares across 15,000 clusters of Natural Farming.
• Train and mobilize 1 crore farmers nationwide.
• Ensure last-mile delivery of inputs and guidance through Krishi Sakhis/Community Resource Persons (CRPs).
• Build bio-input infrastructure via 10,000 Bio-input Resource Centres (BRCs).
• Introduce Participatory Guarantee System (PGS)-based certification for NF produce.

Principles and Practices of Natural Farming

• Core Principle: Farming without synthetic chemicals, relying on livestock-based, bio-resource recycling systems.
• Key Components:
  • Beejamrut (seed treatment formulation of cow dung, urine, soil, etc.).
  • Jeevamrut (fermented microbial solution for soil fertility).
  • Mulching & crop residue management to retain soil moisture.
  • Diverse cropping systems for ecological balance.
• Ecosystem Approach: Integrates soil, water, plants, microbes, livestock, insects, and climate.
• Outcome Goals: Lower input costs, improved soil carbon, pest resistance through biodiversity, and resilience to climate shocks.

Implementation Architecture

• Cluster Model:
  • 15,000 clusters, each of ~50 ha, ~125 farmers.
  • New farmers can join at the start of each crop season.
• Incentives:
  • ₹4,000/acre/year for 2 years (max 1 acre per farmer).
• Training & Handholding:
  • 806 training institutions (KVKs, agri universities, NGOs).
  • Model farms (1,100 developed) serve as learning hubs.
  • 70,000+ Krishi Sakhis trained for community support.
• Monitoring:
  • Online NMNF portal for geo-tagged, real-time monitoring.
  • Multi-tier monitoring (Centre, State, District, Block).

Institutional Ecosystem

• NCONF (National Centre for Organic & Natural Farming, Ghaziabad):
  • Standard setting, certification system.
• MANAGE (Hyderabad):
  • Knowledge Partner for NF Extension.
• ICAR-KVKs:
  • Research, demonstrations, curriculum development (UG/PG courses).
• Community Role:
  • SHGs, FPOs, Panchayati Raj bodies actively engaged in awareness, input production, and marketing.

State-Level Initiatives (Precursor Models)

• Andhra Pradesh (APCNF): Large-scale community-managed NF with ecological balance focus.
• Gujarat (SPKK/PNF): Direct subsidies for cow upkeep and NF kits.
• Himachal Pradesh (PK3 Yojana): Achieved large farmer participation, >50,000 farmers by 2020.
• Rajasthan (Pilot Scheme): Training + input subsidies for NF adoption.
• Karnataka, Kerala, Uttar Pradesh: Also emerging as NF adopters with state support.

Progress till July 2025

• Farmers: 10 lakh+ enrolled.
• Clusters: Targets being operationalised across states.
• Training:
  • 3,900 scientists/trainers trained.
  • 28,000 CRPs mobilized.
• BRCs:
  • 7,934 identified, 2,045 established.
• Funds Released:
  • ₹177.78 crore (FY 2024–25) to states as per AAPs.
• Model Farms: 1,100 demonstration farms functional.
• Certification: PGS-India system being rolled out for NF produce.

Convergence and Integration

• Linked with multiple ministries for holistic outcomes:
  • Agriculture & Farmers Welfare (input, training).
  • Rural Development (MGNREGA convergence for farm labour).
  • AYUSH (linkage of medicinal crops with NF).
  • Food Processing (value addition, branding).
  • Animal Husbandry (livestock integration).
• Market Linkages:
  • Local haats, APMC mandis, FPO-driven value chains.
  • Common national NF brand in progress.
• Educational Integration:
  • RAWE (Rural Agricultural Work Experience) student participation.
  • UG, PG & diploma courses on NF.

Challenges

• Adoption Barriers:
  • Behavioural resistance among farmers used to chemical inputs.
  • Yield concerns during initial transition period.
• Market Ecosystem:
  • Certification and branding are still evolving.
  • Limited consumer awareness compared to organic farming.
• Infrastructure Gaps:
  • Only ~25% of targeted BRCs established by mid-2025.
• Monitoring & Extension:
  • Requires strong local handholding; scale-up may strain resources.
• Policy Coordination:
  • Need seamless convergence between central, state, and local agencies.

Strategic Significance

• Climate Change: NF promotes low-carbon farming, reduces chemical fertilizer dependence (aligned with India’s Net Zero 2070 goals).
• Economic: Cuts input costs, enhances small/marginal farmer viability.
• Health & Nutrition: Safer, chemical-free food for consumers.
• Global Positioning: Positions India as leader in regenerative & ecological farming, aligned with SDGs (2, 12, 13, 15).

Conclusion

• NMNF is not just a scheme but a paradigm shift—from “input-intensive productivity” to “nature-aligned sustainability.”
• Strong policy design, training ecosystem, and digital monitoring make it robust.
• The success depends on farmer behaviour change, market support, and scaling infrastructure.
• If effectively implemented, NMNF can be India’s flagship contribution to global sustainable agriculture models.

India Achieves Historic Milestone of 100 GW Solar PV Module Manufacturing Capacity under ALMM

Genesis and Evolution

• Approval & Launch:
  • Approved by Union Cabinet on 25 November 2024.
  • Operational till 15th Finance Commission cycle (2025–26).
  • Launched as a standalone Centrally Sponsored Scheme (CSS).
• Predecessor Scheme:
  • Restructured from Bharatiya Prakritik Krishi Paddhati (BPKP), which was under Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana (PKVY, 2020–23).
• Budgetary Outlay:
  • ₹2,481 crore total (Centre ₹1,584 crore; States ₹897 crore).
• Policy Shift:
  • From input-intensive agriculture (Green Revolution model) → to low-input, ecosystem-based farming.
  • Emphasis on traditional knowledge validated by science.

Relevance : GS 3(Energy Security )

Objectives of NMNF

• Promote chemical-free agriculture and reduce farmer dependence on costly chemical fertilizers & pesticides.
• Enhance soil health and biodiversity, making farms climate-resilient.
• Strengthen farmer incomes through cost reduction and better market branding of NF produce.
• Establish 7.5 lakh hectares across 15,000 clusters of Natural Farming.
• Train and mobilize 1 crore farmers nationwide.
• Ensure last-mile delivery of inputs and guidance through Krishi Sakhis/Community Resource Persons (CRPs).
• Build bio-input infrastructure via 10,000 Bio-input Resource Centres (BRCs).
• Introduce Participatory Guarantee System (PGS)-based certification for NF produce.

Principles and Practices of Natural Farming

• Core Principle: Farming without synthetic chemicals, relying on livestock-based, bio-resource recycling systems.
• Key Components:
  • Beejamrut (seed treatment formulation of cow dung, urine, soil, etc.).
  • Jeevamrut (fermented microbial solution for soil fertility).
  • Mulching & crop residue management to retain soil moisture.
  • Diverse cropping systems for ecological balance.
• Ecosystem Approach: Integrates soil, water, plants, microbes, livestock, insects, and climate.
• Outcome Goals: Lower input costs, improved soil carbon, pest resistance through biodiversity, and resilience to climate shocks.

Implementation Architecture

• Cluster Model:
  • 15,000 clusters, each of ~50 ha, ~125 farmers.
  • New farmers can join at the start of each crop season.
• Incentives:
  • ₹4,000/acre/year for 2 years (max 1 acre per farmer).
• Training & Handholding:
  • 806 training institutions (KVKs, agri universities, NGOs).
  • Model farms (1,100 developed) serve as learning hubs.
  • 70,000+ Krishi Sakhis trained for community support.
• Monitoring:
  • Online NMNF portal for geo-tagged, real-time monitoring.
  • Multi-tier monitoring (Centre, State, District, Block).

Institutional Ecosystem

• NCONF (National Centre for Organic & Natural Farming, Ghaziabad):
  • Standard setting, certification system.
• MANAGE (Hyderabad):
  • Knowledge Partner for NF Extension.
• ICAR-KVKs:
  • Research, demonstrations, curriculum development (UG/PG courses).
• Community Role:
  • SHGs, FPOs, Panchayati Raj bodies actively engaged in awareness, input production, and marketing.

State-Level Initiatives (Precursor Models)

• Andhra Pradesh (APCNF): Large-scale community-managed NF with ecological balance focus.
• Gujarat (SPKK/PNF): Direct subsidies for cow upkeep and NF kits.
• Himachal Pradesh (PK3 Yojana): Achieved large farmer participation, >50,000 farmers by 2020.
• Rajasthan (Pilot Scheme): Training + input subsidies for NF adoption.
• Karnataka, Kerala, Uttar Pradesh: Also emerging as NF adopters with state support.

Progress till July 2025

• Farmers: 10 lakh+ enrolled.
• Clusters: Targets being operationalised across states.
• Training:
  • 3,900 scientists/trainers trained.
  • 28,000 CRPs mobilized.
• BRCs:
  • 7,934 identified, 2,045 established.
• Funds Released:
  • ₹177.78 crore (FY 2024–25) to states as per AAPs.
• Model Farms: 1,100 demonstration farms functional.
• Certification: PGS-India system being rolled out for NF produce.

Convergence and Integration

• Linked with multiple ministries for holistic outcomes:
  • Agriculture & Farmers Welfare (input, training).
  • Rural Development (MGNREGA convergence for farm labour).
  • AYUSH (linkage of medicinal crops with NF).
  • Food Processing (value addition, branding).
  • Animal Husbandry (livestock integration).
• Market Linkages:
  • Local haats, APMC mandis, FPO-driven value chains.
  • Common national NF brand in progress.
• Educational Integration:
  • RAWE (Rural Agricultural Work Experience) student participation.
  • UG, PG & diploma courses on NF.

Challenges

• Adoption Barriers:
  • Behavioural resistance among farmers used to chemical inputs.
  • Yield concerns during initial transition period.
• Market Ecosystem:
  • Certification and branding are still evolving.
  • Limited consumer awareness compared to organic farming.
• Infrastructure Gaps:
  • Only ~25% of targeted BRCs established by mid-2025.
• Monitoring & Extension:
  • Requires strong local handholding; scale-up may strain resources.
• Policy Coordination:
  • Need seamless convergence between central, state, and local agencies.

Strategic Significance

• Climate Change: NF promotes low-carbon farming, reduces chemical fertilizer dependence (aligned with India’s Net Zero 2070 goals).
• Economic: Cuts input costs, enhances small/marginal farmer viability.
• Health & Nutrition: Safer, chemical-free food for consumers.
• Global Positioning: Positions India as leader in regenerative & ecological farming, aligned with SDGs (2, 12, 13, 15).

Conclusion

• NMNF is not just a scheme but a paradigm shift—from “input-intensive productivity” to “nature-aligned sustainability.”
• Strong policy design, training ecosystem, and digital monitoring make it robust.
• The success depends on farmer behaviour change, market support, and scaling infrastructure.
• If effectively implemented, NMNF can be India’s flagship contribution to global sustainable agriculture models.