Agencies report NMNF progress periodically, and the numbers must be right. This guide covers what the reports need, how to submit them, and the data points to gather through the period.
The short version
- Reports track progress against targets for the scheme.
- Collect data through the period, not at the deadline.
- Farmer adoption and area covered are core figures.
- Check figures against portal records before submitting.
Understanding NMNF Progress Reporting Requirements
Periodic reports show that scheme guidelines are followed, and progress against targets.
The National Mission on Natural Farming (NMNF) requires implementing agencies to provide periodic updates on their activities. These reports demonstrate compliance with scheme guidelines and measure progress towards established targets. Agencies must understand the specific NMNF progress report format.
Reporting obligations apply to Cluster Based Business Organisations (CBBOs), NGOs, and other entities working with farmer groups. The goal is to track the adoption of natural farming practices across designated clusters.
Key areas for reporting include farmer registration, area under natural farming, training programs conducted, and the adoption of specific practices. Compliance with these requirements is non-negotiable for agencies managing NMNF projects.
NMNF Portal Data Submission: Step-by-Step Guide
Compile data per farmer, enter it on the portal, and review before submission.
Submitting data for the National Mission on Natural Farming reporting typically occurs through a dedicated online portal. NMNF progress is recorded on the NMNF portal, naturalfarming.dac.gov.in, which is separate from the PGS-India certification portal.
Agencies often struggle to compile data for NMNF reports efficiently. Following a structured approach helps prevent common errors during NMNF portal data submission. Ensure all data is cross-verified before entry.
- Log In to the Portal: Go to naturalfarming.dac.gov.in and sign in with the login issued to you.
- Navigate to Reporting Section: Locate the section marked 'NMNF Progress Report' or 'Scheme Reporting'. The exact menu option may vary slightly based on portal updates.
- Select Reporting Period: Choose the specific reporting period (e.g., quarterly, half-yearly, annual) for which you are submitting data.
- Enter Cluster Details: Provide information about the NMNF cluster, including its unique ID, geographical location, and total registered farmers.
- Input Farmer-Level Data: For each farmer in the cluster, enter detailed information. This includes their unique farmer ID, area converted to natural farming, specific natural farming practices adopted (e.g., Jeevamrutha, Beejamrutha, Mulching), and crop details.
- Record Training Activities: Document all training sessions conducted within the reporting period. Include dates, topics covered, number of farmers trained, and trainer details.
- Update Financial Progress: Provide figures related to funds utilised, component-wise expenditure, and any subsidies disbursed to farmers.
- Attach Supporting Documents: Agencies are often unsure which documents to attach for NMNF reporting. Common attachments include geo-tagged photographs, training attendance sheets, farmer declarations, and field verification reports. Scan these documents and upload them in the specified format (e.g., PDF, JPEG).
- Review and Verify Data: Before final submission, carefully review all entered data. Check for accuracy in numerical figures, spellings of village names, and consistency across records.
- Submit the Report: Click the 'Submit' button only after thorough verification. A confirmation message or reference number should appear upon successful submission.
Inputting each farmer's land area, crop details, and adopted practices manually takes approximately 5 minutes per record. For a cluster of 200 farmers, this amounts to over 16 hours of data entry. Verifying the accuracy of these entries across multiple fields can add significant time to each reporting cycle.
Key Data Points for NMNF Cluster Progress Reports
Gather adoption, area, training and input figures throughout the reporting period.
The NMNF cluster progress report demands specific, quantifiable data. Meeting NMNF scheme reporting deadlines requires preparedness and organised data collection throughout the reporting period. This data also contributes to the overall NMNF scheme compliance report.
Farmer Adoption and Area Covered:
- Number of farmers newly registered under NMNF during the reporting period.
- Cumulative number of farmers practising natural farming in the cluster.
- Area (in hectares) brought under natural farming for the first time.
- Cumulative area (in hectares) under natural farming practices.
- Crop-wise breakdown of area under natural farming.
Training and Capacity Building:
- Number of training programs organised for farmers.
- Topics covered in training sessions (e.g., soil health, pest management, seed treatment).
- Number of farmers participating in training programs.
- Details of farmer field schools or demonstration plots established.
Input and Infrastructure:
- Quantity and types of natural farming inputs promoted or provided (e.g., Jeevamrutha, Ghana Jeevamrutha, Beejamrutha).
- Establishment of 'Bhumi Sena' groups or similar farmer self-help groups for natural farming.
- Details of infrastructure developed (e.g., on-farm input production units).
Outcomes and Challenges:
- Qualitative and quantitative observations on soil health improvement, water saving, and pest reduction.
- Feedback from farmers on the adoption of natural farming practices.
- Challenges encountered during implementation and proposed solutions.
Accurate and complete data submission is mandatory for all NMNF implementing agencies. Incomplete reports may lead to queries and delays in fund release or scheme continuity.
Agencies must maintain detailed records throughout the implementation cycle. This ensures all required information is readily available for the National Mission on Natural Farming reporting at scheduled intervals. For more detailed steps on updating individual farmer profiles, you may refer to Farmer profile update NMNF: Manual Steps for Managers.
Check yourself
Tap an answer to see whether you are right, and why.
When should you collect progress data?
- Throughout the period
- The day before the deadline
- Only at year end
Collecting continuously avoids a rushed, error-prone compilation.
Remember these things
- Know what the report measures.
- Collect data continuously.
- Reconcile before submitting.
Accurate reports reflect the real work done in your clusters. KrushiFlow validates these fields and submits farmer records to the portal in bulk.