Sri Vijaya Puram, July 2:The Department of Agriculture, A&N Administration, recently organized a series of Orientation and Awareness Programmes under the National Mission on Natural Farming (NMNF) for farmers of the newly identified clusters at Karmatang and Webi villages under Rampur Gram Panchayat, Mayabunder Block, North & Middle Andaman District. The programmes were aimed at equipping farmers with the knowledge and skills required for adopting sustainable, climate-resilient and chemical-free farming practices.
The National Mission on Natural Farming (NMNF) is a Centrally Sponsored Scheme of the Government of India being implemented by the Department of Agriculture to promote eco-friendly agriculture through the use of locally available natural resources. During 2025–26, the Mission covered 100 hectares under two clusters at Ferrargunj (South Andaman) and Adazig (North & Middle Andaman), benefiting 250 farmers. Building upon the encouraging progress achieved, the Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare has sanctioned an additional 100 hectares under NMNF for the year 2026–27, leading to the identification of two new clusters at Karmatang and Webi.
Addressing the gathering, Director of Agriculture, Shri Debabrata Basantia, highlighted the vision and objectives of the National Mission on Natural Farming and emphasized its transformative potential in promoting sustainable, climate-resilient and low-input agriculture. He encouraged farmers to adopt natural farming practices by utilizing locally available resources, thereby restoring soil health, reducing cultivation costs and enhancing long-term farm profitability.
During the programme, technical experts and progressive farmers conducted interactive sessions and practical demonstrations on various natural farming techniques, including preparation of bio-inputs, mulching, moisture conservation and sustainable crop management. Farmers were also sensitized on the formation of Natural Farming clusters, enrolment procedures, the role of Community Resource Persons (Krishi Sakhis), establishment of Bio-Input Resource Centres (BRCs), and the simplified certification process for naturally grown produce. The interactive sessions provided an opportunity for farmers to seek clarifications on natural farming practices, market linkages and the institutional support available under the Mission.
The programme attended by SMS, ICAR- KVK, Nimbudera, officials of the Department of Agriculture & progressive farmers. Altogether, around 250 farmers, including Krishi Sakhis, participated enthusiastically, reflecting the growing interest among the farming community in adopting natural farming as a sustainable and economically viable agricultural practice.
