How government is eyeing to promote organic farming in India?

By: Yash Gupte

Government has been promoting organic farming in the country since 2015-16 through the schemes of Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana (PKVY) and Mission Organic Value Chain Development for North Eastern Region (MOVCDNER).

The organic farming approach has been practised in India since ancient times and is largely focused on achieving sustainable agricultural production in a clean, pollutant-free environment. In an organic production system, desired agricultural production is harnessed for human consumption while maintaining the environment and ecosystem in good health. The importance and the efforts taken by the government in the promotion of organic farming were highlighted by the Union Minister of Agriculture and Farmer’s Welfare, Narendra Singh Tomar in a written reply in Lok Sabha on March 14, 2023.

Government has been promoting organic farming in the country since 2015-16 through the schemes of Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana (PKVY) and Mission Organic Value Chain Development for North Eastern Region (MOVCDNER). Both programmes have a strong emphasis on providing farmers who practise organic farming with full support, including assistance with post-harvest management, processing, certification, and marketing. All states in the nation, with the exception of the North Eastern States, are implementing PKVY. MOVCDNER scheme is implemented exclusively in the NE States.

Under PKVY, farmers in different states of the nation receive financial assistance in the amount of Rs. 50,000/hectare for three years, whereas under MOVCDNER, assistance in the amount of Rs. 46,575/hectare for three years is given for the establishment of FPOs, support for farmers' use of organic inputs, high-quality seeds and planting materials, and training, hand-holding, and certification. Through the PKVY programme, 11.85 lakh hectares of land have been converted to organic farming since 2015–16, and the government plans to convert another 6.00 lakh hectares of land to organic farming between 2022–23 and 2025–26.

Source: Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare

Andhra Pradesh has added the highest area to organic farming since 2015-16 followed by Madhya Pradesh and Uttarakhand. Under PKVY, farmers of various states of the country are provided financial assistance of Rs 50,000/hectare for 3 years out of which, Rs 31,000/ hectare / 3 years is provided directly to farmers through DBT (Direct Benefit Transfer) for on-farm and off-farm organic inputs. Financial assistance of Rs 20 lakh/ cluster of 1,000 hectares for 3 years are provided for value addition and infrastructure creation. Under the scheme assistance is provided at Rs 7,500/hectare for 3 years for training and capacity building whereas, Apart from this, Rs 2,700/hectare for 3 years is provided for certification and residual analysis.

Organic farming is a collection of agricultural production techniques that preserve and improve the biodiversity of soil and the health of ecosystems. It is accomplished by utilising a variety of species, including crop rotations, and using organic pest control methods. The use of chemical pesticides and fertilisers is prohibited in organic farming. Organic agriculture helps in reducing greenhouse gas emissions and has a positive impact on climate change. It focuses on biological processes, biodiversity, and cycles tailored to local conditions rather than manufactured inputs. Environmental sustainability, economic viability, and social and economic equality are the three fundamental goals of this system. India is also home to the highest number of organic producers, as per one estimate. However, this captures only around 2.5 percent of the total land under cultivation in the country.

Implementation of well-crafted government policies towards organic farming can definitely yield better returns for India.