Dr YS Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry (UHF), Nauni, has achieved a significant milestone by being selected as one of the seven Centers of Natural Farming (CoNF) under the National Mission on Natural Farming (NMNF).
This newly launched mission is a Centrally Sponsored Scheme by the Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers' Welfare, Government of India.
The NMNF, with a budget of Rs 2,481 crore, was recently approved by the Union Cabinet. It aims to promote chemical-free, natural farming practices across India through traditional agricultural methods. Natural farming focuses on integrating local livestock, diverse cropping systems, and location-specific techniques that align with agro-ecological principles.
Dr YS Parmar University joins six other institutions as CoNFs: Gurukul in Kurukshetra, UAS Dharwad, Gujarat Natural Farming Science University, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Rythu Sadhikara Samstha in Andhra Pradesh, and Birsa Agricultural University in Ranchi. This recognition highlights the university’s leading role in advancing natural farming in the country.
Prof. Rajeshwar Singh Chandel, Vice Chancellor of UHF Nauni, thanked the Government of India, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and the Union Agriculture Minister for launching this initiative.
“This is a remarkable achievement and an exciting challenge for us. For years, we have led research and extension activities in natural farming,” he said. He added that the recognition will boost the university’s capacity to produce scientific data on natural farming and validate this eco-friendly, sustainable approach.
The mission will also greatly benefit Himachal Pradesh, where over 1.9 lakh farmers are already practicing natural farming under the state’s Department of Agriculture. Himachal Pradesh has set an example by becoming the first state in India to procure wheat at ₹40 per kilogram and maize at Rs 30 per kilogram from natural farming practitioners.
The university has also collaborated with 15 institutions across 11 countries under the European Commission-funded ACROPICS project on agroecology. Additionally, it has contributed to developing natural farming curricula for NCERT and ICAR.
Prof. Chandel, who serves on the National Advisory Committee for the Promotion of Natural Farming, noted that the first meeting of the CoNFs will be held from December 22–23 in Hyderabad. This meeting will focus on creating Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for the mission.
The NMNF aims to promote sustainable agriculture by providing safe and nutritious food, lowering farming costs, and reducing reliance on external inputs. It also seeks to improve soil health, foster biodiversity, and encourage diverse cropping systems tailored to local ecological conditions.
This mission represents a step toward sustainable farming, climate resilience, and enhanced food security for both farmers and consumers.
Also Read: Himachal leads the way in natural farming
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