Government Initiatives to Promote Organic and Climate-Smart Farming
Organic farming initiatives are gaining momentum across India, driven by the Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana (PKVY) and the Mission Organic Value Chain Development for North Eastern Region (MOVCDNER). These programs aim to provide comprehensive support to farmers, covering everything from production to marketing. With a focus on small and marginal farmers, the schemes promote sustainable farming practices and the establishment of organic clusters, ensuring a robust supply chain for organic produce.
Financial Assistance for Organic Farming
Under the PKVY, farmers receive financial assistance of ₹31,500 per hectare over three years to encourage organic farming practices. This includes a Direct Benefit Transfer of ₹15,000 per hectare for organic inputs, such as compost. The MOVCDNER offers even more substantial support, providing ₹46,500 per hectare over three years. This assistance includes ₹32,500 for both on-farm and off-farm organic inputs, which encompass bio-fertilizers, vermicompost, and organic pesticides. Farmers can benefit from these schemes for a maximum area of two hectares, ensuring that even small-scale farmers can participate in the organic movement.
Insurance Schemes for Farmers
The government has also introduced two insurance schemes: the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojna (PMFBY) and the Restructured Weather Based Crop Insurance Scheme (RWBCIS). Launched in the Kharif 2016 season, these schemes are available to all states and union territories, although participation is voluntary. The PMFBY is designed to cover crops with sufficient historical yield data, while the RWBCIS provides coverage based on weather index parameters for crops that do not meet the yield data criteria. This dual approach allows states to choose the best insurance option based on their specific agricultural risks.
Support for Marketing and Capacity Building
In addition to financial aid for organic farming, both PKVY and MOVCDNER provide resources for marketing, branding, and capacity building. Under PKVY, farmers can receive ₹4,500 per hectare over three years for marketing-related activities, along with ₹3,000 for certification and residue analysis. The MOVCDNER offers ₹4,000 per hectare for value chain marketing and ₹10,000 for training and certification activities. To facilitate market access, states organize seminars, workshops, and buyer-seller meetings, and they have also integrated Farmer Producer Organizations into digital platforms for enhanced market linkage.
Government’s Commitment to Organic Farming
The initiatives to promote organic farming reflect the Indian government’s commitment to sustainable agriculture and the welfare of farmers. The Minister of State for Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare, Shri Ramnath Thakur, provided this information in a written reply in the Lok Sabha, highlighting the government’s efforts to support farmers in transitioning to organic practices. By fostering organic farming, the government aims to enhance food security, promote environmental sustainability, and improve the livelihoods of farmers across the country.
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