Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the South India Natural Farming Summit 2025 in Coimbatore on Wednesday, delivering a powerful vision for India's transition toward chemical-free agriculture while releasing a massive ₹18,000 crore installment under the PM-KISAN scheme that will benefit approximately nine crore farmers across the country.
Historic Gathering for Agricultural Transformation
The three-day summit, organized by the Tamil Nadu Natural Farming Stakeholders Forum from November 19-21, witnessed participation from over 50,000 farmers, agricultural experts, and stakeholders from Tamil Nadu and neighboring states. PM Modi described Coimbatore as central to India's agricultural transformation, expressing hope that "new ideas and solutions" would emerge from the city.
During his address, the Prime Minister emphasized that natural farming represents an indigenous Indian concept, not something imported from elsewhere. "Natural farming is Swadeshi, native, traditional idea," Modi stated, highlighting South India's rich agricultural heritage that includes ancient dams, multi-storey farming in the Western Ghats, and traditional practices like Panchagavya.
Government's Comprehensive Approach to Natural Farming
The Agriculture Ministry defines natural farming as a chemical-free farming system that exclusively utilizes inputs produced from livestock and plant resources. The government plans to initially implement this approach in districts with high fertilizer consumption.
In a significant move last year, the Union Cabinet approved the launch of the National Mission on Natural Farming (NMNF) with a budget allocation of ₹2,481 crore. This standalone Centrally Sponsored Scheme under the Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers' Welfare represents an enhancement of the Bhartiya Prakritik Krishi Paddhti (BPKP) launched during the NDA government's second term.
The NMNF has ambitious targets: initiating 1 crore farmers into natural farming within the next two years, supported by certification and branding. Implementation will occur through scientific institutions and willing gram panchayats, with plans to establish 10,000 need-based bio-input resource centers across the country.
Zero Budget Natural Farming: The Popular Model
Among various natural farming models practiced worldwide, Zero Budget Natural Farming (ZBNF) has gained significant popularity in India. Developed by Subhash Palekar, ZBNF operates on four fundamental principles known as "wheels": Jiwamrita (a microbial culture), Bijamrita (seed treatment solution), Mulching (soil covering technique), and Waaphasa (water management).
These methods ensure crops receive adequate nutrients through soil microorganisms while utilizing naturally available resources like monsoon rains, air, and sunlight. ZBNF also advocates natural pest management through decoction sprays made from indigenous ingredients like neem, garlic, and cow urine.
Massive Financial Support Through PM-KISAN
During the summit, Prime Minister Modi released the 21st installment of PM-KISAN amounting to ₹18,000 crore, reaching nearly nine crore farmers nationwide. He highlighted that over ₹4 lakh crore has been transferred to small farmers since the scheme's inception in December 2018.
PM-KISAN is a Central sector scheme providing complete funding from the Government of India, offering financial assistance of ₹6,000 annually to each eligible farmer in three equal installments. The scheme defines a landholder farmer's family as comprising husband, wife, and minor children who own cultivable land according to state land records.
The Prime Minister also emphasized the government's commitment to supporting natural farming through policy measures, including the reduction of GST rates on bio-fertilizers to make them more accessible to farmers transitioning to chemical-free agricultural practices.
