Introduction

Agriculture is one of the most important sectors of the Indian economy. A large portion of India’s population depends on farming for livelihood. However, over the years, the excessive use of chemical fertilizers, pesticides, and insecticides has negatively affected soil fertility, human health, and the environment. To encourage sustainable and eco-friendly farming, the Government of India launched the Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana (PKVY).

The scheme was launched in 2015 under the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare as a part of the **Soil Health Management program under the National Mission on Sustainable Agriculture (NMSA).

The primary aim of PKVY is to promote organic farming across India through the use of traditional agricultural practices. The scheme encourages farmers to reduce dependence on chemical inputs and adopt environmentally friendly farming methods.

The scheme focuses on:

• Sustainable agriculture
• Soil health improvement
• Organic food production
• Reduction in environmental pollution
• Increase in farmer income

2. Meaning of Organic Farming

Organic farming is a farming system that avoids the use of:

• Chemical fertilizers
• Synthetic pesticides
• Harmful insecticides
• Genetically modified organisms (GMOs)

Instead, it uses:

• Natural manure
• Compost
• Bio-fertilizers
• Crop rotation
• Green manure
• Biological pest control

Organic farming improves soil fertility and protects the environment.

3. Background of PKVY

India has traditionally practiced natural and organic farming methods for centuries. However, after the Green Revolution, farmers increasingly started using chemical fertilizers and pesticides to increase crop production.

Although the Green Revolution improved food production, it also created several problems:

• Soil degradation
• Water pollution
• Loss of biodiversity
• Health risks due to chemicals
• Declining soil fertility

To address these issues, the Government launched Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana to revive traditional agricultural practices and promote organic farming.

4. Objectives of PKVY

The scheme has several important objectives.

1. Promote Organic Farming

The main goal is to encourage farmers to adopt organic farming practices instead of chemical-based agriculture.

2. Improve Soil Fertility

Organic farming improves soil structure and fertility naturally.

3. Reduce Chemical Usage

The scheme aims to reduce dependence on:

• Chemical fertilizers
• Synthetic pesticides
• Toxic insecticides

4. Produce Healthy Food

Organic farming helps produce chemical-free and nutritious food.

5. Protect Environment

The scheme supports:

• Water conservation
• Biodiversity protection
• Reduced pollution

6. Increase Farmer Income

Organic products often get better prices in the market, increasing farmer earnings.

7. Promote Sustainable Agriculture

PKVY encourages environmentally sustainable farming methods for future generations.

5. Key Features of PKVY

The scheme has several unique features.

1. Cluster-Based Approach

PKVY follows a cluster approach.

What is a Cluster?

A cluster consists of:

• 50 or more farmers
• Covering 50 acres or more land

Farmers work together to practice organic farming.

Benefits:

• Easier training
• Better coordination
• Cost reduction
• Improved marketing

2. Participatory Guarantee System (PGS)

PKVY uses the Participatory Guarantee System (PGS) for organic certification.

What is PGS?

PGS is a locally focused quality assurance system in which farmers certify each other’s organic farming practices.

Advantages:

• Low-cost certification
• Simple process
• Farmer participation

3. Financial Assistance

Farmers receive financial support for:

• Organic inputs
• Training
• Certification
• Marketing

4. Traditional Knowledge Promotion

The scheme promotes traditional agricultural methods and indigenous farming knowledge.

6. Financial Assistance under PKVY

Under PKVY, financial assistance is provided to farmers for three years.

Assistance Amount

The government provides approximately:

₹50,000 per hectare for 3 years

Distribution of Funds

The assistance is used for:

• Organic manure
• Bio-fertilizers
• Vermicompost
• Training programs
• Certification costs
• Marketing support

A large portion of the amount goes directly to farmers.

7. Components of PKVY

PKVY includes several important components.

A. Organic Farming Promotion

Farmers are encouraged to use:

• Compost
• Cow dung manure
• Bio-fertilizers
• Green manure

B. Farmer Training

Training programs educate farmers about:

• Organic cultivation
• Pest management
• Compost preparation
• Soil management

C. Organic Certification

Farmers receive certification through the Participatory Guarantee System.

D. Marketing Support

The scheme helps farmers market organic products through:

• Organic fairs
• Direct marketing
• Branding support

8. Organic Inputs Used in PKVY

Organic farming under PKVY promotes the use of natural inputs.

1. Vermicompost

Prepared using earthworms and organic waste.

Benefits:

• Improves soil fertility
• Enhances microbial activity

2. Green Manure

Plants are grown and mixed into soil to improve fertility.

3. Bio-Fertilizers

Natural microorganisms help provide nutrients to plants.

4. Neem-Based Pesticides

Used for eco-friendly pest control.

9. Importance of Organic Farming

Organic farming provides multiple benefits.

A. Environmental Benefits

1. Soil Conservation

Organic farming improves soil health naturally.

2. Water Protection

Reduces water pollution caused by chemicals.

3. Biodiversity Conservation

Protects beneficial insects, birds, and microorganisms.

4. Reduced Carbon Emissions

Organic farming supports climate-friendly agriculture.

B. Health Benefits

1. Chemical-Free Food

Organic food contains fewer harmful chemicals.

2. Better Nutrition

Organic produce is considered healthier and more nutritious.

C. Economic Benefits

1. Higher Market Price

Organic products often sell at premium prices.

2. Reduced Input Cost

Farmers spend less on chemical fertilizers and pesticides.

10. Role of Farmers in PKVY

Farmers are central to the success of the scheme.

They are encouraged to:

• Form clusters
• Adopt organic practices
• Participate in training
• Avoid harmful chemicals

Farmer participation ensures effective implementation.

11. Certification Process under PKVY

Organic certification is important for selling organic products.

Participatory Guarantee System (PGS)

Process:

1. Farmers form groups
2. Peer inspection is conducted
3. Organic standards are verified
4. Certification is granted

Benefits:

• Simple
• Affordable
• Farmer-friendly

12. Marketing of Organic Products

PKVY supports marketing through:

• Organic bazaars
• Farmer markets
• Online platforms
• Branding and packaging

This helps farmers get better prices.

13. Benefits of PKVY

The scheme provides several important benefits.

A. Benefits to Farmers

1. Increased Income

Organic products have high market demand.

2. Lower Input Cost

Natural fertilizers reduce expenditure.

3. Long-Term Soil Fertility

Organic farming improves soil health.

B. Benefits to Consumers

1. Safe Food

Consumers get chemical-free food products.

2. Better Health

Reduced exposure to harmful chemicals.

C. Environmental Benefits

1. Pollution Reduction

Organic farming reduces chemical pollution.

2. Sustainable Agriculture

Supports long-term ecological balance.

14. Achievements of PKVY

Since its launch, PKVY has achieved several milestones.

1. Increase in Organic Farming Area

Large areas of land have been converted to organic farming.

2. Farmer Participation

Lakhs of farmers have joined organic farming clusters.

3. Organic Product Promotion

Organic products are gaining popularity in India and abroad.

4. Awareness Generation

More farmers are becoming aware of sustainable farming.

15. Challenges Faced by PKVY

Despite its benefits, the scheme faces several challenges.

1. Low Awareness

Many farmers still lack knowledge about organic farming.

2. Initial Yield Reduction

Crop yield may decrease during the transition period.

3. Certification Issues

Certification processes can sometimes be slow.

4. Marketing Problems

Farmers may face difficulty finding markets for organic products.

5. Lack of Infrastructure

Storage and transportation facilities for organic products are limited in some areas.

16. Government Efforts to Improve PKVY

The government has taken several steps to strengthen the scheme.

1. Training Programs

Farmers receive regular training and awareness programs.

2. Financial Incentives

Subsidies encourage adoption of organic farming.

3. Market Development

Organic fairs and online platforms help farmers sell products.

4. Research Support

Research institutions promote improved organic farming methods.

17. PKVY and Sustainable Development

PKVY contributes to sustainable development goals.

Supports:

• Zero Hunger
• Good Health
• Clean Environment
• Climate Action
• Sustainable Agriculture

The scheme promotes eco-friendly and sustainable farming systems.

18. PKVY and Climate Change

Organic farming helps combat climate change by:

• Reducing chemical pollution
• Increasing carbon storage in soil
• Improving water retention

It promotes climate-resilient agriculture.

19. Future Scope of PKVY

The future of organic farming in India is promising.

Suggested Improvements:

• Expand organic markets
• Increase awareness
• Improve certification systems
• Strengthen supply chains
• Increase export opportunities

India has huge potential to become a global leader in organic farming.

20. Conclusion

The Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana (PKVY) is an important initiative by the Government of India to promote organic farming and sustainable agriculture. The scheme encourages farmers to return to traditional farming methods that protect soil health, conserve water, and produce safe food.

Through:

• Financial assistance
• Farmer training
• Organic certification
• Marketing support

PKVY has helped thousands of farmers adopt organic farming practices.

The scheme not only benefits farmers economically but also protects the environment and public health. With proper implementation, awareness, and market support, PKVY can play a major role in transforming Indian agriculture into a sustainable and eco-friendly system for the future.