Natural farming to get a leg-up; new clusters on the cards

TO CURB THE excessive use of chemical fertilisers and enhance soil health, the government is working to expand the area under natural farming and increase the number of farmers adopting these practices.

- SANDIP DAS

This initiative is being implemented through the formation of clusters, financial incentives, and a product certification system under a national mission.

Over 0.8 million small-holder farmers have enrolled to initiate natural farming on portions of their land, against a target of 1.8 million, according to an agriculture ministry official.

Farmers are being provided financial assistance of up to ₹4,000 per acre per annum under the National Mission on Natural Farming, launched last year.