Rs 12.56 Crore Released to Jammu Kashmir Under Natural Farming Mission; 6,339 Bio-Resource Centres Set Up Nationwide | Kashmir Life

SRINAGAR: The Union Government has released Rs 12.56 crore to Jammu and Kashmir in 2025–26 under the National Mission on Natural Farming (NMNF) aimed at promoting chemical-free agriculture across the country, the Lok Sabha was informed on Tuesday.

Replying to a starred question by MP Sharmila Sarkar, Union Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan said the mission seeks to encourage natural farming practices by integrating livestock—preferably indigenous cow breeds—along with diversified cropping systems and bio-inputs.

According to the minister, Rs 1,255.63 lakh (Rs 12.56 crore) has been released to Jammu and Kashmir during 2025–26 under the mission as of March 5, 2026.

The NMNF was approved by the Union Cabinet on November 25, 2024, and has an overall allocation of rs 725 crore for the financial year 2025–26.

The minister informed the House that 6,339 Bio-Resource Centres (BRCs) have been established across the country since the inception of the mission. These centres are meant to provide farmers with access to natural farming inputs and training in the preparation of bio-fertilisers and other organic formulations.

Under the scheme, the Centre provides financial assistance of Rs 1 lakh for the establishment of each Bio-Resource Centre, with funds released to States and Union Territories covering the cost of setting up these facilities.