New Delhi, May 13 -- In a bid to boost consumer trust and farmer incomes, the central government is likely to introduce a nationwide Natural Farming Certification System (NFCS), modelled on the existing organic certification mechanism, a senior agriculture ministry official told Mint.

The certification is significant for the 18 lakh farmers practicing natural farming across 7.8 lakh hectares in the country, as it will enable them to command premium prices for their chemical and synthetic fertilizer-free products, leading to better and more stable incomes.

"We are planning to introduce NFCS across the country soon. It would be non-binding and voluntary for producers," said the official cited above, without giving a specific timeline.

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