Plan to set up 10,000 BRCs was first announced during the Budget 2023-24. 

About BRCs

• They are cluster-level enterprises that provide time tested, locally prepared inputs/formulations using biological entities to improve soil health, pest management, etc., for purchase by farmers in a defined geographical area.

Key highlights of the Guidelines

• Financial assistance: Rs 1 lakh to be provided for setting up a BRC (Assistance does not include sheds, renting of premises, etc.). 
• Convergence with other Schemes/Programmes: Like Formation and Promotion of 10,000 Farmer Producer Organisation, National Mission on Edible Oilseeds, etc. 
• Preparation of Bio-Inputs: As per the requirements of the local farmers, local land-use patterns, soil types and local crop systems.
• Criteria for BRC entrepreneur group/entity: BRC must be a practising Natural Famer or have members with prior experience of Natural Farming (NF).

Significance of the Guidelines

• Overcoming Challenges in transitioning to NF: Like non-availability of quality inputs, lack of knowledge, lack of market support, etc. 
• Address Poor state of Organic/Bio-Inputs: BRC would support farmers in upscaling NF.