Bio-input resource centres (BRC)

The Union Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare on April 23, 2025 released the guidelines for setting up of bio-input resource centres (BRC) under the National Mission on Natural Farming (NMNF).

Objective

• To support natural farming by facilitating the production and distribution of bio-inputs at the cluster level.
• To assist farmers who cannot individually produce bio-inputs.
• To serve as knowledge and experience hubs for natural/organic farming practices.

Financial Assistance: Rs 1 lakh per BRC as financial support from the government.

Eligibility Criteria for BRCs

• Must be an entrepreneur group/entity with experience or current practice in natural farming.
• Members must have prior involvement in natural farming activities.
• Must use bio-inputs in their own farms.

Bio-Input Production Guidelines

• Bio-inputs must be:
  • Prepared according to local farmer requirements.
  • Suited to local land-use patterns, soil types, and crop systems.

Definition of Bio-Inputs

• Biological substances derived from biotic organisms.
• Used to:
  • Improve soil fertility.
  • Support plant growth.
  • Enhance crop health.

Role of BRCs

• Act as cluster-level enterprises.
• Ensure availability and supply of ready-to-use bio-inputs.
• Provide training and dissemination of natural farming knowledge to farmers transitioning from chemical-based agriculture.

Policy Background

• Announced by: Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman in Budget Speech 2023-24.
• Target: To establish 10,000 BRCs across the country.

National Mission on Natural Farming (NMNF)

• Launch Date: November 25, 2024.
• Purpose: To promote natural farming and reduce reliance on chemical inputs.
• Type of Scheme: Standalone Centrally Sponsored Scheme under the Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare.

(Source: PIB)