Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana (PKVY)

The “Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana” is vital within the National Mission of Sustainable Agriculture’s Soil Health Management program. It fosters organic farming by promoting organic villages, cluster adoption, and obtaining PGS certification. This initiative encourages a sustainable and natural approach to agriculture, prioritizing the well-being of both the land and farmers.

What is Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana (PKVY)?

In April 2015, the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare introduced the Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana (PKVY), also known as the Traditional Farming Improvement program. This initiative is a part of the National Mission of Sustainable Agriculture’s Soil Health Management (SHM) program.
The main aim of PKVY is to promote and strengthen organic farming practices in India. The scheme encourages farmers to shift towards organic methods by advocating the use of bio-pesticides, vermicompost, and other natural alternatives instead of relying on chemical fertilizers.
As a comprehensive approach, PKVY ensures the quality of organic produce through the Participatory Guarantee System of India (PGS-India). PGS-India is a quality assurance initiative that actively involves stakeholders in the process of ensuring the authenticity and high standards of organic farming.
By emphasizing the use of organic methods, such as bio-pesticides and vermicompost, PKVY aims to foster a healthier and more sustainable approach to agriculture. This not only benefits the environment but also contributes to the production of organic and wholesome yields.
The scheme stands as a significant step towards promoting sustainable and organic farming practices across the country.

Objectives – Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana

To encourage integrated, climate-resilient, natural resource-based farming methods that maintain and improve soil fertility, protect natural resources, recycle nutrients on-site, and reduce farmers’ reliance on outside inputs.
To increase farmer net income per unit of land by lowering the cost of agriculture for farmers through sustainable integrated organic farming systems.
To sustainably grow wholesome, chemical-free food for human consumption.
To save the environment from dangerous inorganic compounds by the adoption of traditional, low-tech eco-friendly farming methods.
To make farmers the business owners through direct connections to regional and global markets.

Approach – Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana

PKVY operates by embracing clusters of organic villages, employing the Participatory Guarantee System (PGS) of Certification.
The scheme aims to make a positive impact in 10,000 clusters, each covering 20 hectares or 50 acres of land, ultimately cultivating around 2,00,000 hectares of agricultural land through organic farming in a span of three years.
In each group, 50 farmers come together, each holding one acre of land. The goal is to distribute not more than Rs. 10,00,000 to individual farmers and a maximum of Rs. 4,95,000 for mobilization and PGS Certification. A subsidy ceiling of one hectare per farmer is in place.
To ensure inclusive growth, 65% of the farmers in each cluster should fall under the small and marginal categories, promoting balanced regional development.
Additionally, a commitment is made to allocate at least 30% of the budget to benefit women farmers, emphasizing the empowerment of women in the organic farming sector.

Funding

PKVY is a Centrally Sponsered Scheme. The ratio (Centre: State) of Funding between the Centre and the State Government is as follows:

Union Territories: 100% Centre
North-East and the Himalayan States: 90:10
Rest of the States: 60:40

Implementation

The PKVY is led by the Organic Farming Cell in the Integrated Nutrient Management Division of the Department of Agriculture, Cooperation, and Farmers Welfare.
At the state level, the State Department of Agriculture and Cooperation takes charge of executing the PKVY. This involves active participation from Regional Councils that are enrolled in the PGS-India Certification Programme.
These councils play a pivotal role in anchoring and driving the success of PKVY initiatives in their respective areas.

Conclusion

The Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana (PKVY) is crucial, but sadly, it hasn’t gained the momentum it deserves. A 2018 assessment found that, except for Tripura, Odisha, and Karnataka, most states haven’t used even half of their allocated funds. Despite a 44% increase in funding this year, some states need to do more to promote “Organic India.” Remedial action is necessary to ensure full support for organic farming.