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Introduction
Agriculture has always been the backbone of India’s economy, and in recent years, there has been a growing demand for chemical-free, eco-friendly, and sustainable food production. Organic farming provides the answer by improving soil fertility, reducing harmful inputs, and producing healthy crops. Understanding its importance, the Government of India has introduced several schemes dedicated to encouraging farmers to adopt organic farming practices. These initiatives not only ensure environmental safety but also create new opportunities for farmers in both local and global markets.
Schemes for Organic Farming
The Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana (PKVY) has been one of the flagship programs, where groups of farmers are encouraged to form clusters and collectively transition into organic farming. This cluster approach makes the adoption easier, provides a sense of community learning, and helps in certification and marketing. Farmers practicing under PKVY are trained to avoid chemical fertilizers and pesticides, thereby ensuring healthier soil and crops.
Another important scheme is the Bhartiya Prakritik Krishi Padhati (BPKP), which emphasizes natural farming methods. By using cow dung, cow urine, and locally available bio-resources, farmers can reduce input costs significantly. This scheme revives age-old traditional practices while blending them with modern approaches to ensure higher productivity with lower financial risk.
In the North-Eastern region of India, where biodiversity and natural resources are abundant, the Mission Organic Value Chain Development (MOVCDNER) has been introduced. This initiative is not only about farming but also about developing the entire organic value chain, including training, certification, branding, and marketing. Farmers in these regions receive support to take their products beyond local markets and showcase them internationally.
The National Project on Organic Farming (NPOF) further strengthens this movement by providing financial assistance and technical support for the production and promotion of bio-fertilizers, compost, and organic manure. This ensures that farmers have access to affordable and effective organic inputs, making the shift smoother.
Impact
Together, these schemes have empowered farmers to adopt more sustainable methods of farming while improving their livelihoods. Farmers practicing organic methods often see better returns as their produce fetches premium prices in the market. Additionally, healthier soils lead to long-term productivity, reduced dependency on external chemical inputs, and resilience against climate change. India is steadily emerging as a global leader in organic production, and these schemes are ensuring that the transition is both sustainable and profitable for farmers.
