Jaipur, July 30 (IANS) Rajasthan has emerged as one of the country’s leading states in implementing the National Mission on Natural Farming, securing the second position in cluster formation and the third position in farmer registration, officials from the Chief Minister’s Office said on Thursday.
So far, 2,380 natural farming clusters have been established across the state, the highest after Andhra Pradesh, while 2,12,346 farmers have been enrolled under the mission, placing Rajasthan behind only Andhra Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh in farmer participation.
Natural farming has already been adopted across approximately 91,166 hectares, further strengthening the state’s position among the national frontrunners in sustainable agriculture.
To support the effective implementation of the mission, the state government has earmarked an expenditure of about Rs 49.97 crore up to 2025-26. The state government is working to expand natural farming to one lakh hectares by involving 2.5 lakh farmers.
The initiative aims to promote sustainable agriculture, improve soil fertility, reduce cultivation costs, and enhance farmers’ incomes while encouraging environmentally friendly farming practices.
The state government is working in ‘mission mode’ to give a new direction to natural farming. Financial assistance of Rs 10,000 is being provided to 50,000 farmers in the state for organic manure production through the ‘Govardhan Organic Fertilizer Scheme’.
Organic food markets are being established in Jodhpur, Kota, and Udaipur, which will provide farmers with better market access for their organic produce.
To promote traditional and natural farming, the state government is providing an incentive of Rs 30,000 to farmers who use bullocks for agricultural operations.
A grant of Rs 2,856 crore has been provided to the state’s gaushalas (cow shelters) for cows. The 2025-26 budget includes a provision to establish a ‘Centre of Excellence for Natural Farming’ at the Agricultural University, Jobner, which will serve as a key hub for research, training, and innovation.
It is noteworthy that the National Natural Farming Mission was launched on November 25, 2024, with an aim to reduce dependence on chemical fertilizers, improve soil health, and increase farmers’ income.
This mission extends beyond mere cultivation; it provides farmers with comprehensive support, including training, technical guidance, certification, and marketing facilities. Under this initiative, 527 Krishi Vigyan Kendras (Farm Science Centres), 76 agricultural universities, 194 local natural farming institutes, and 18 Centres of Excellence across the country are providing training to farmers.
To encourage natural farming, the Central Government is providing an incentive of Rs 4,000 per acre annually to farmers for a period of two years.
According to an evaluation report by NITI Aayog, approximately 91 per cent of farmers who adopted natural farming saw an increase in production, while about 90 per cent experienced a reduction in production costs.
Significant improvements in soil health have also been observed. Natural farming is becoming the foundation for environmental conservation, increased farmer income, and a healthy agricultural system for future generations.
It serves as the cornerstone of a prosperous farming community, a healthy society, and a safe environment. Only when farmers cultivate the land in harmony with nature will the resolve to build a ‘Developed India’ and a ‘Developed Rajasthan’ gain new momentum.
–IANS
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