MoAFW gave guidelines on bio-input resource centres under NMNF

Key Features of the Guidelines: Financial Support: ₹1 lakh allocated per BRC, distributed in two payments of ₹50,000 each. This support does not cover expenses such as sheds, land rental, or permanent infrastructure. Objectives of BRCs: To enable cluster-level production and availability of bio-inputs for natural farming.

To serve as centers of knowledge for sharing practices and solutions related to natural farming. To customize bio-inputs based on local soil conditions, crops, and land-use patterns. Eligibility Criteria: BRCs should be operated by groups of entrepreneurs who are already engaged in natural farming.

In cases where such groups are not available, the state natural farming cell will identify and recruit farmers interested in making the transition.

Focus on Affordability: The inputs produced and sold must be priced to remain accessible for small and marginal farmers.

Integration with Other Initiatives: There is a strong emphasis on aligning with programs such as the Formation and Promotion of 10,000 FPOs and the National Mission on Edible Oilseeds, among others.

Importance of the BRC Guidelines under NMNF: BRCs will locally generate and provide ready-to-use inputs. They will foster collective efforts at the cluster level, improving market access and lowering costs. BRCs will facilitate the expansion of natural and organic farming by ensuring the availability of quality inputs and regionally tailored formulations.

Overview of the National Mission on Natural Farming (NMNF)

Type: Centrally Sponsored Scheme (CSS)

Nodal Ministry: Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers' Welfare

Launch Date: November 25, 2024

Primary Objective: To encourage sustainable, nature-based farming practices Reduce reliance on chemical inputs

Implementation Target (Next 2 Years): To be executed in 15,000 clusters of participating Gram Panchayats Reach out to 10 million farmers Cover 750,000 hectares of agricultural land.