Promoting Organic Farming in India
The Indian government is making significant strides in promoting organic farming across the nation. Through various schemes, it aims to support farmers in adopting organic practices. The two primary initiatives are the Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana (PKVY) and the Mission Organic Value Chain Development for North Eastern Region (MOVCDNER). These programs provide comprehensive assistance to farmers, covering everything from production to marketing. This article delves into the details of these schemes, the certification processes, and the overall impact on organic farming in India.
Overview of Government Schemes
The government has launched the Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana (PKVY) to promote organic farming in all states and Union Territories, excluding the North Eastern states. For these regions, the MOVCDNER scheme is in place. Both initiatives focus on providing end-to-end support to farmers engaged in organic farming. This includes assistance in production, processing, certification, marketing, and post-harvest management training.
Under the PKVY scheme, farmers receive financial assistance of ₹31,500 per hectare for three years. This amount includes ₹15,000 per hectare provided through Direct Benefit Transfer for on-farm and off-farm organic inputs. The MOVCDNER scheme offers even more support, with ₹46,500 per hectare for three years, which includes the creation of Farmers Producer Organizations and support for organic inputs. The government aims to enhance the livelihoods of farmers while promoting sustainable agricultural practices.
Certification Systems for Organic Produce
To ensure the quality of organic produce, the government has established two certification systems. The first is the Third Party Certification under the National Programme for Organic Production (NPOP). This certification is crucial for developing an export market for organic products. It covers all stages of production, processing, trading, and export requirements.
The second certification system is the Participatory Guarantee System (PGS-India). This system involves stakeholders, including farmers and producers, in decision-making. They assess, inspect, and verify each other’s production practices, collectively declaring the produce as organic. PGS-India certification primarily caters to the domestic market, ensuring that consumers receive quality organic products.
As of now, a total of 59.74 lakh hectares have been certified under the NPOP and PGS-India systems through the PKVY scheme. This significant area reflects the growing interest and commitment to organic farming across the country.
Financial Assistance and Capacity Building
The government provides various forms of financial assistance to promote organic farming. Under the PKVY scheme, farmers receive ₹4,500 per hectare for three years to facilitate value addition, marketing, and publicity. Additionally, assistance for certification and training is provided at ₹3,000 per hectare for three years, along with ₹7,500 per hectare for handholding and capacity building.
Similarly, the MOVCDNER scheme offers ₹10,000 per hectare for three years for training, capacity building, and certification. This financial support is crucial for farmers transitioning to organic farming, as it helps them acquire the necessary skills and resources.
To ensure market availability, states organize various events, including seminars, workshops, and organic festivals. The government has also developed an online marketing platform, Jaivik Kheti, where farmers can directly sell their organic produce to consumers. This initiative has registered over 6.22 lakh farmers, enabling them to achieve better price realization for their products.
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