Center Released Guidelines for Bio-Input Resource Centres (BRCs)

Context: The Union Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare has released guidelines for setting up Bio-Input Resource Centres (BRCs) under the National Mission on Natural Farming (NMNF).

What are Bio-Input Resource Centres (BRCs)?

• Bio-Input Resource Centres (BRCs) are Cluster-level enterprises to locally produce and supply ready-to-use bio-inputs (natural fertilisers, soil enhancers etc)
• BRC will support farmers who cannot make these bio-inputs individually.
• It will act as a knowledge hub for disseminating best practices, dosages and application techniques for natural farming.
• Financial Aid: ₹1 lakh per BRC, in two tranches of ₹50,000 each.

Eligibility to Set Up a Bio-Input Resource Centre

• It must be a farmer group/entity already practising natural farming or have members with prior experience.
• If no one is practising, the State Natural Farming Cell will identify an entrepreneur willing to adopt natural farming from the next crop season.
• The entrepreneur should demonstrate bio-input use on their own farm.

National Mission on Natural Farming (NMNF)

• National Mission on Natural Farming (NMNF) is a dedicated initiative aimed at supporting farmers transitioning to organic and natural farming methods.
• It was launched in November 2024.
• Objective: Promote natural farming across India and reduce dependence on chemical inputs.
• It addresses key challenges faced by farmers:
  • Lack of quality bio-inputs
  • Limited knowledge and training
  • Poor market access for fair prices

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