Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan announced that Prime Minister Narendra Modi will launch the National Natural Farming Mission on August 23 at the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) in Pusa, New Delhi. The announcement followed a video conference with state agriculture ministers, where Chouhan outlined the mission’s goals of enhancing soil health, restoring ecosystems, reducing farmers’ input costs, and achieving greater climate resilience.

Approved in November 2024 as a centrally sponsored scheme, the mission has a budget of Rs 2,481 crore until 2025-26, with the Centre contributing Rs 1,584 crore and states Rs 897 crore. Chouhan highlighted the country’s record-breaking wheat and paddy production this year, alongside significant increases in soybeans and groundnuts, setting an optimistic tone for the upcoming Rabi season.

To ensure success, a comprehensive action plan was discussed with state ministers, focusing on Rabi crops. A ‘Rabi Sammelan’ is scheduled for September 15-16 in Delhi, followed by the ‘Developed Agriculture Sankalp Abhiyan,’ dubbed ‘Vijay Parv,’ from October 3 to 18. Chouhan expressed confidence in setting new Rabi crop production records, emphasizing intensified efforts toward self-sufficiency in pulses and oilseeds.

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The minister also revealed plans to develop a five-year agricultural roadmap during these events, incorporating insights from progressive farmers and experts. The initiatives underscore the government’s commitment to sustainable farming and economic resilience for India’s agricultural sector.

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