Adopt natural farming and get cash subsidy of ₹ 8,000 from the government: Know the full benefits of National Natural Farming Mission and the method of application.

The rising cost of farming has always been a matter of great concern for farmers across the country. Due to chemical fertilizers (urea, DAP), expensive pesticides and hybrid seeds, there is a heavy burden on the pockets of the farmers, due to which the net profit remains nominal even after the crop is ready. Along with this, the fertility of the soil is also decreasing year by year and the fields are reaching the verge of becoming barren. To rescue the farmers from this dual problem and improve the health of the earth, the Central Government has implemented a very ambitious scheme under the National Mission on Natural Farming (NMNF). Under this mission, the farmers who abandon chemicals and adopt natural farming based on desi cow are being given direct financial assistance of ₹ 8,000 per acre by the government. This amount is transferred directly to the Aadhaar linked bank accounts of the farmers, so that the initial expenses incurred during the transition period can be easily handled.

When a farmer moves from chemical farming to natural farming, it takes time for the first one or two years for the soil to become free from the effects of old chemicals and regain its natural fertility. The government has prepared this incentive package to reduce the risks of farmers during this transition period.

• Annual assistance of ₹4,000: According to the rules of the scheme, the eligible farmer has to do natural farming on one acre of land every year. ₹4,000 Financial assistance is given.

• Benefits for 2 consecutive years: This help continues for 2 consecutive years, due to which the farmer gets a total ₹8,000 per acre Gets a grant of Rs.

• Transfer from DBT to direct account: This entire amount is deposited in installments in the farmer’s bank account through Direct Benefit Transfer without any middleman.

The objective of the scheme is that farmers should not depend on chemical inputs purchased from outside and can prepare natural fertilizers and pesticides locally.

Apart from financial help, the strongest pillar of this mission is to make farmers self-reliant. Many times farmers do not know how to nourish the crop without urea and potash or how to protect it from insects. For this, special training camps are being organized by the Agriculture Ministry at Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs), agricultural universities and block levels across the country.

• Beejamrit: Before sowing, organic treatment with indigenous cow dung, cow urine and lime is taught to protect the seeds from fungal and soil borne diseases.

• Jeevamrit and Ghanjeevamrit: To increase the activity of microorganisms and earthworms in the soil, preparation of natural fertilizer solution prepared from gram flour, jaggery, live soil and cow dung-cow urine is taught.

• Neemastra, Brahmastra and Dashaparni extracts: As an alternative to pesticides, the complete method of preparing natural pesticides from Neem leaves, Dhatura, Madar, Karanj and tobacco leaves is explained.

• Cooperation of Krishi Sakhis: Trained ‘Krishi Sakhis’ and ‘CRP’ (Community Resource Persons) in the villages visit the fields and give practical demos to the farmers.

The government has set very simple and transparent eligibility conditions to avail the benefits of this scheme:

1. Eligibility of land: The applicant farmer should have his own cultivable land in his name (special preference is given to small and marginal farmers). In some states, sharecroppers or tenant farmers can also join through farmer groups (Fig/FPO).

2. Desi cow or local resource: The main axis of natural farming is cow dung and cow urine of local cows. If the farmer has his own indigenous cow or can arrange for cow urine and dung at the local level, then he easily becomes eligible.

3. Complete avoidance of chemicals: The farmer has to take a formal pledge not to use any kind of chemical pesticide or fertilizer on that part of his selected land.

4. Aadhaar Linked Bank Account: To receive government subsidy amount, it is mandatory for the farmer’s bank account to be linked to his Aadhar card and NPCI mapper.

If you also want to take advantage of this scheme by reducing your farming expenses, then you can join through both online and offline methods:

• Offline medium (most accessible): Located in your block or tehsil Agriculture Department Office or proximity Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK) Go. There, meet the Assistant Agriculture Officer (ADO) or Kisan Mitra and fill the form to join the Natural Farming Cluster. Apart from this, the Gram Pradhan or Panchayat Secretary posted at the Gram Panchayat level can also be contacted.

• Online Portal Registration: Official portal of central government naturalfarming.dac.gov.in Farmers can apply directly by visiting ‘Farmer Registration’ option by filling their details, Khasra-Khatauni and bank details.

• Documents required for application: Aadhar Card, Khatauni/Bhulekh document of land, clear copy of bank passbook, passport size photograph and mobile number.

Compared to traditional chemical farming, natural farming increases the moisture absorbing capacity of the soil, which reduces the water consumption for irrigation by 30 to 40 percent. The biggest thing is that the expense of purchasing expensive urea and DAP bags from the market becomes completely zero. At present, the demand for natural and organic grains, pulses and vegetables without chemicals is increasing rapidly among consumers, due to which farmers are getting better market prices for their produce at the local level. With this help of ₹ 8,000 being given by the government, farmers can start nature-friendly farming without any financial pressure.