Introduction

India has a rich history of traditional farming methods that emphasize natural and chemical-free agricultural practices. However, in the past few decades, the excessive use of chemical fertilizers, pesticides, and hybrid seeds has led to soil degradation, declining crop quality, and health concerns. To encourage organic farming and sustainable agriculture, the Government of India launched the Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana (PKVY) in 2015 under the National Mission for Sustainable Agriculture (NMSA).

PKVY promotes organic farming through cluster-based development, providing farmers with financial support, training, and certification for organic produce. The scheme not only reduces dependency on chemical inputs but also enhances soil fertility, biodiversity, and farm incomes.

This article explores the objectives, benefits, components, implementation process, and impact of PKVY in detail.

Objectives of Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana (PKVY)

The primary goals of PKVY are:

✅ Encourage organic farming by adopting traditional and sustainable agricultural practices.
✅ Reduce dependency on chemical fertilizers and pesticides to protect soil health.
✅ Promote cluster-based organic farming with at least 50 farmers forming a 50-hectare cluster.
✅ Provide financial assistance to farmers for organic inputs and certification.
✅ Ensure better market linkages and branding for organic produce.
✅ Enhance soil fertility, biodiversity, and environmental sustainability.

PKVY aims to transform Indian agriculture by promoting eco-friendly and cost-effective farming techniques.

How Does the PKVY Scheme Work?

PKVY follows a cluster-based approach, where groups of farmers are encouraged to shift to organic farming together. The scheme is implemented in three phases over three years:

1. Formation of Organic Farming Clusters

  • Farmers are grouped into clusters of at least 50 farmers covering 50 hectares of land.
  • Each cluster is supported by State Agriculture Departments, NGOs, and Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs).

2. Training and Capacity Building

  • Farmers receive training in organic farming techniques, composting, bio-fertilizers, and natural pest control.
  • They learn about Organic Certification and Participatory Guarantee System (PGS).

3. Financial Assistance and Support

  • Farmers receive ₹50,000 per hectare for organic input procurement, certification, and marketing.
  • The funds are provided in three installments over three years.

4. Organic Certification and Branding

  • After three years of chemical-free farming, the produce is certified as organic under the Participatory Guarantee System (PGS-India).
  • Farmers can now sell their organic produce at premium prices in both domestic and international markets.

This structured approach ensures long-term sustainability and profitability for organic farmers.

Financial Support under PKVY

The government provides ₹50,000 per hectare over three years. The allocation is as follows:

📌 ₹31,000 per hectare – Used for on-farm input production (compost, bio-fertilizers, seeds, etc.).
📌 ₹8,800 per hectare – For training and capacity building.
📌 ₹4,400 per hectare – For certification under PGS-India.
📌 ₹3,800 per hectare – For marketing and value addition of organic produce.

This direct support helps farmers transition smoothly to organic farming without financial stress.

Key Benefits of Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana (PKVY)

PKVY provides multiple advantages to Indian farmers and the environment:

✅ Healthier and Chemical-Free Food

  • Organic farming eliminates harmful chemical residues from food products.
  • Consumers benefit from nutrient-rich, chemical-free produce.

✅ Improved Soil Fertility

  • Enhances soil biodiversity and water retention capacity.
  • Prevents soil degradation and contamination caused by synthetic fertilizers.

✅ Cost Savings for Farmers

  • Reduces expenses on chemical inputs (fertilizers, pesticides).
  • Farmers use homemade compost and bio-fertilizers, lowering costs.

✅ Higher Market Prices for Organic Produce

  • Certified organic products sell at premium rates, increasing farm income.
  • Farmers can access domestic and international organic markets.

✅ Environmental Benefits

  • Reduces pollution caused by synthetic chemicals.
  • Preserves biodiversity and promotes ecological balance.

✅ Better Water Conservation

  • Organic farming requires less water, reducing stress on groundwater resources.

PKVY is a win-win solution for farmers, consumers, and the environment.

Implementation and Monitoring of PKVY

PKVY is implemented in all Indian states with the help of:

🔹 State Agriculture Departments – Responsible for forming and managing organic clusters.
🔹 Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs) – Provide training and technical support.
🔹 Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs) & NGOs – Help in certification and marketing.
🔹 National Centre of Organic Farming (NCOF) – Monitors program success.

The scheme is monitored through regular field inspections, digital tracking, and farmer feedback surveys.

Eligibility and How to Apply for PKVY

Eligibility Criteria

✅ Open to all Indian farmers, including small and marginal farmers.
✅ Farmers must be willing to shift to organic farming for at least three years.
✅ Must form a cluster of at least 50 farmers covering 50 hectares.

How to Apply?

Farmers can apply for PKVY assistance by following these steps:

1️⃣ Visit Nearest Agriculture Office

  • Contact the State Agriculture Department, Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK), or FPOs.

2️⃣ Form a Cluster

  • Join or create a group of at least 50 farmers.

3️⃣ Submit Application

  • Fill out the application form and submit required documents.

4️⃣ Receive Training & Financial Support

  • Upon approval, farmers receive training, financial aid, and certification assistance.

5️⃣ Get Certified & Start Selling Organic Produce

  • After three years, farmers receive PGS-India organic certification.
  • They can now sell their organic products in premium markets.

For more details, visit the official PKVY website: https://pgsindia-ncof.gov.in.

Impact of PKVY on Indian Agriculture

🚀 Over 30 lakh hectares of farmland converted to organic farming.
🚀 Thousands of farmers trained in sustainable agricultural practices.
🚀 India has become a global leader in organic farming, exporting organic products worldwide.
🚀 Increased demand for organic food in both domestic and international markets.

PKVY is empowering farmers, boosting rural incomes, and promoting sustainable agriculture in India.

Challenges and Areas for Improvement

🔴 Limited Awareness – Many farmers are unaware of the scheme's benefits.
🔴 Market Access Issues – Organic farmers often struggle to sell their produce at fair prices.
🔴 Delayed Certification Process – The organic certification process takes time.
🔴 Need for Better Infrastructure – More organic input centers and training programs required.

The government is working on better marketing support, digital platforms, and improved infrastructure to address these issues.

Conclusion

The Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana (PKVY) is a revolutionary step toward sustainable and organic farming in India. By reducing dependency on chemicals, improving soil health, and increasing farmer incomes, PKVY is shaping the future of Indian agriculture.

With better awareness, infrastructure, and support, the scheme has the potential to transform India into a global organic farming hub.

For more information, visit the official PKVY portal or contact your nearest agriculture office.

Read more about Soil Health card scheme here​

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