India Expands Natural Farming and Micro-Irrigation Efforts
India is expanding natural farming and micro-irrigation to boost soil health and water efficiency for millions of farmers.
The National Mission on Natural Farming (NMNF) was approved by the Union Cabinet on 25th November 2024 to promote Natural Farming across the country. Natural Farming is a chemical free farming, involving livestock integrated natural farming methods and diversified crop systems rooted in the Indian traditional knowledge. It aims to improve soil health, restoring ecosystems and reducing input cost to the farmers.
Mission Targets and Progress
The mission target is 15,000 clusters to initiate Natural Farming in 7.5 lakh hectares covering 18.75 lakh farmers and to make 1 crore farmers aware of natural farming practices. So far, over 15 lakh farmers have been enrolled.
To support easy availability of natural farming bio-inputs such as Jeevamrit and Beejamrit, the mission provides for 10,000 need-based Bio-input Resource Centres.
Practices Under Natural Farming
Natural farming promotes the use of on-farm materials such as Beejamrit, Jeevamrit, Ghan Jeevamrit, Neemastra, Dashparni, and mulching. It also encourages multi-cropping, traditional seed varieties, and integrating trees around farm boundaries. Natural Farming reduces dependence on chemical pesticides while maintaining crop health and productivity.
Micro Irrigation Under PDMC Scheme
The Department of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare is implementing the Per Drop More Crop (PDMC) scheme in India, which focuses on enhancing water use efficiency at farm level through Micro Irrigation namely Drip and Sprinkler Irrigation Systems.
Financial assistance ranges from 45% to 55%, depending on farmer category.
As of 31 October 2025, micro irrigation has been adopted on 106.75 lakh hectares under the scheme.
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