Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana (PKVY)

• Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare had launched PKVY in 2015-16 to promote chemical free organic farming in the country in cluster mode.
• A total fund of Rs1197.64 cr has been released to states and UTs for the last four years under the programme.
• Financial assistance of Rs 3000 /hectare for 3 years is provided for Cluster formation (of 20 ha) and Capacity building including exposure visits, and trainings of field functionaries.

Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana (PKVY):

• It is an elaborated component of Soil Health Management (SHM) of major project National Mission of Sustainable Agriculture (NMSA).
• Under PKVY Organic farming is promoted through adoption of organic village by cluster approach and PGS certification.
• Under the programme, financial assistance of Rs 50000/ha/3 years is provided for cluster formation, capacity building, incentive for inputs, value addition and marketing.
• Out of it, Rs 31000/ ha / 3 years is provided for preparation / procurement of organic inputs such as bio/organic fertilisers, biopesticides, seeds etc. through DBT
• Rs 8800/ ha/ 3 years is provided for value addition and marketing that includes post harvest management practices like storage.

Objectives:

• Promotion of commercial organic production through certified organic farming.
• The produce will be pesticide residue free and will contribute to improve the health of consumer.
• It will raise farmer's income and create potential market for traders.
• It will motivate the farmers for natural resource mobilization for input production.

Implementation:

• PKVY is being implemented by the Organic Farming cell of the Integrated Nutrient Management Division of the Department of Agriculture
• At the State level, the State Department of Agriculture and Cooperation has been implementing the scheme with the involvement of Regional Councils that are registered under the PGS- India Certification Programme
• At the district level, the Regional Councils (RCs) within the district anchor the implementation of PKVY.

Organic farming:

• Organic farming is a system which largely excludes the use of synthetic inputs (fertilizers, pesticides, etc.) and relies upon crop rotations, crop residues, animal manures, organic waste, and biological system of nutrient mobilization.
• Organic farming system in India is not new and is being followed from ancient times. It promotes and enhances agro-ecosystem health, including biodiversity, biological cycles and soil biological activity.