The Indian government has been actively promoting organic farming through various initiatives and policies. One of the key initiatives is the National Mission on Organic Farming, launched by the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers' Welfare, which aims to promote organic farming practices across India. This mission focuses on providing financial support, training, and education to farmers, as well as facilitating organic certification processes.
Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana (PKVY)
Another significant initiative is the Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana (PKVY), launched in 2015, which promotes cluster-based organic farming with Participatory Guarantee System (PGS) certification. Under PKVY, assistance of Rs. 50,000 per hectare for three years is provided to farmers, out of which 62% is given as an incentive for organic inputs.[3] The scheme has covered 32,384 clusters, totaling 6.4 lakh hectares, and benefiting 16.1 lakh farmers.
Mission Organic Value Chain Development for North East Region (MOVCDNER)
The Mission Organic Value Chain Development for North East Region (MOVCDNER) is another initiative that promotes organic farming in the North Eastern Region. The scheme provides financial assistance of Rs. 10,000 per hectare for three years for agriculture training, handholding, and ICS documentation, and Rs. 32,500 per hectare for three years for off-farm/on-farm organic inputs.
Other Initiatives
Other government initiatives supporting organic farming include the Soil Health Management (SHM) Scheme, which promotes the use of organic fertilizers and soil amendments, and the National Food Security Mission (NFSM), which provides financial assistance for the promotion of bio-fertilizers. Additionally, the government has launched the Bharatiya Prakritik Krishi Paddhati Programme (BPKP) under PKVY, which promotes traditional indigenous practices and natural farming.
Impact of Government Initiatives
The government initiatives have shown positive results, with the area under organic farming increasing from 11.83 lakh hectares in 2014 to 29.17 lakh hectares in 2020. The initiatives have also led to the development of state-specific organic brands, increased domestic supply, and exports of organic produce from the North Eastern Region. The government's efforts to promote organic farming have been instrumental in creating a more sustainable and resilient agricultural sector, improving food security, and contributing to a healthier planet.