Bio-Input Resource Centres (BRCs)
( UPSC Prelims)
News Context
The Union Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare has issued guidelines for the establishment of BRCs as part of the National Mission on Natural Farming (NMNF).
About Bio-Input Resource Centres (BRCs)
• Cluster-level enterprise where locally crafted, time-tested inputs/formulations using biological entities are offered for sale to farmers within a specific geographical area.
• In the Budget Speech 2023-24, the Government announced the establishment of 10,000 BRCs under NMNF.
Purposes served by BRCs
Maintaining and selling cultures of bio-fertilizers and bio-pesticides for farmers to multiply and use
Preparing and selling ready-to-use organic inputs
Training farmers in the preparation of botanical extracts and animal-based inputs
Sharing knowledge on natural farming practices
Selling pheromone traps, lures, sticky traps, and other related products
Key-features of the Guidelines
Financial assistance of Rs 1 lakh is available for establishing a BRC, excluding costs for sheds, renting premises, and similar expenses. BRCs can be operated by Farmers practicing Natural Farming (NF), Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs), Self-Help Groups (SHGs), Cooperatives, Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs), and others with Goshalas at the Gram Panchayat level.
About National Mission on Natural Farming (NMNF)
● Objective: Encouraging Natural Farming (NF) practices to ensure the provision of safe and nutritious food for everyone.
● Type: This is a Centrally Sponsored Scheme.
● Funding Ratio: The Centre to State funding ratio is 90:10 for Hilly and North Eastern States and 60:40 for all other states.
● Duration: The scheme will run until 2025-26.
● Responsible Ministry: The Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers' Welfare oversees this initiative.
● National Steering Committee (NSC): This committee operates at the national level and is chaired by the Minister of Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare.
● Primary Goals:
○ Establish 15,000 clusters in willing Gram Panchayats.
○ Engage 1 crore farmers and start Natural Farming on 7.5 lakh hectares of land.
○ Set up approximately 2000 NF Model Demonstration Farms at Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs), Agricultural Universities (AUs), and on farmers’ fields.
○ Deploy 30,000 Krishi Sakhis (Community Resource Persons - CRP) to facilitate the widespread adoption and understanding of NF practices.
About Natural Farming
• It is a chemical-free, low-input, climate-resilient farming system that relies on livestock and locally available resources while eliminating synthetic agrochemicals.
• States practicing Natural Farming include Andhra Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Kerala, Gujarat, Himachal Pradesh, Jharkhand, etc.
• Benefits of Natural Farming: Improved Yield; revitalizes soil microbiota, enhancing soil health; boosts agro-biodiversity; promotes judicious water use; reduces carbon and nitrogen footprints; utilizes bio-inoculums to enhance nutrient content and increase bioavailability for humans.
Components of Natural Farming
Beejamrit: Involves treating seeds with formulations made from cow dung, urine, and lime.
Jivamrit: Functions as a bio-stimulant that enhances the activity of microorganisms in the soil.
Mulching: Involves covering the soil surface with live crops and straw (dead plant biomass) to retain moisture.
Whapasa: Stimulates earthworms in the soil to aid in water vapor condensation.
Plant Protection: Involves spraying biological mixtures to guard against pests, diseases, and weed issues.
Organic vs. Natural Farming Systems
Similarities: Both methods are non-chemical farming systems that primarily depend on biomass management, the rejuvenation of natural nutrient recycling, crop rotation, and multiple cropping.
Differences:
| Parameters | Organic Farming | Natural Farming |
|---|---|---|
| Input | Involves off-farm purchased organic and biological inputs. | No external inputs; uses on-farm inputs based on Desi Cow. |
| Soil Correction | Requires soil correction using natural mined minerals. | The use of compost/vermi compost and minerals is not allowed. |
| Agro Practices | Involves practices like plowing, tilting, mixing of manures, weeding, etc. | Relies on the decomposition of organic matter by microbes and earthworms on the soil surface. |
| Cost | More expensive due to the need for organic manures. | Low cost because of reliance on local biodiversity. |
Other Initiatives to promote Natural Farming
• National Centre for Management of Agriculture Extension (MANAGE): Serves as a knowledge partner for recording best practices and digitizing success stories related to Natural Farming.
• National Centre for Organic and Natural Farming (NCONF): Offers a certification program for Natural Farming.