Centre identifies 12 dists in Jharkhand to set up 88 natural farming clusters
Ranchi: The Union govt has selected 12 districts of Jharkhand to set up 88 natural farming clusters under the
National Mission on Natural Farming
(NMNF). The move aims to promote chemical-free, eco-friendly agricultural practices that enhance soil health and reduce dependency on synthetic inputs.The districts are Ranchi, Palamu, Deoghar, Dumka, Giridih, Sahibganj, Hazaribag, Lohardaga, Gumla, Garhwa, East Singhbhum, and West Singhbhum.
These have been selected based on criteria such as river basin proximity, tribal population, past organic initiatives, and regions with either high or low chemical fertiliser usage."Jharkhand has great potential for natural farming due to its agro-climatic diversity and traditional knowledge systems. Our focus is to transform farming into a sustainable and profitable venture for small and marginal farmers. Natural farming is not just a method, but a movement to protect our soil, food, and future," said Vikas Kumar, director of the Organic Farming Authority of Jharkhand (OFAJ).The state has earmarked 4,400 hectares to be brought under natural farming, with each cluster covering around 50 hectares and involving 125 willing farmers. A total of 11,000 farmers will be trained, supported by 176 krishi sakhis (community resource persons). Additionally, 60 bio-input resource centres will be established in the state to supply farmers with natural farming inputs.Kuldeep Kumar, the state representative of the NMNF, said, "We are following a farmer-to-farmer extension model, under which trained farmers and krishi sakhis will lead knowledge transfer. This ensures scalability and authenticity in practice."The initiative will also extend to districts categorised as low fertiliser input zones, such as Giridih, as part of a national strategy to encourage sustainable practices in regions already showing lower chemical dependency.Each cluster will receive support for awareness campaigns, capacity-building workshops, certification of produce, and market linkage through agriculture produce market committees (APMC) and local haats. The aim is to gradually transition these clusters into fully organic, self-sustaining farming ecosystems.
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