Cultivating A Brighter Future: How India‘s Organic Farming Policies Are Changing Agriculture?

Due to the rapid population growth, the demand for food consumption increased so much that the Green Revolution took place. Crop productivity increased with the use of pesticides and chemical fertilizers. However, these practices polluted the lives of people via the use of soil, air and water. As a result of the environment degrading, soil fertility diminished and consumers accepted eco-friendly ways of farming.

Organic Farming Promotion Policy

Here is the list of organic farming promotion policies:

Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana (PKVY)

Promotes cluster-based organic farming, a change from conventional farming. In support of cluster formation, training, certification and marketing under the PKVY, 100 financial assistance is provided. The assistance of Rs 50,000 per hectare for 3 years is provided directly to farmers through Direct Benefit Transfer(DBT) out of which 62 per cent (Rs 31,000) is given as an incentive to a farmer towards organic inputs. Financial assistance of Rs.20 Lakh per cluster of 1,000 hectares for 3 years is provided for value addition and infrastructure creation.

Mission Organic Value Chain Development for North Eastern Region

The Mission Organic Value Chain Development for North Eastern Region, or MOVCDNER, aims at promoting third-party certified organic farming of niche crops of the northeast region through Farmer Producer Organisations with a focus on exports. The assistance of Rs 25,000 per hectare for three years is provided for organic inputs including organic manure, and bio-fertilizers among other inputs. The scheme also provides support measures for the creation of FPOs, capacity building, and post-harvest infrastructure up to Rs 2 crore.

Capital Investment Subsidy Scheme (CISS) under Soil Health Management Scheme

Under this scheme, the state government and state agencies will get 100 per cent assistance for setting up mechanised plants for the production of compost from fruit and vegetable waste and agricultural waste up to a maximum amount of 190 lakh per plant

(3000 TPA total capacity per year). The assistance of up to 33 per cent of the cost up to a maximum of 63 lakhs per unit as capital investment is also provided to individuals and private institutions.

National Mission on Oilseeds and Oil Palm (NMOOP)

For such components as biofertilizers, Rhizobium culture, Phosphate Solubilising Bacteria (PSB), Zinc Solubilising Bacteria (ZSB), Azotobacter, Mycorrhiza, and vermicompost, The Mission provides a 50% subsidy of up to Rs300 per hectare. These components can boost the fertility of the soil, increase uptake for whatever crop you are growing and are friendly to Mother Earth.

Rhizobium culture assists in nitrogen oscillation. PSB or ZSB provide plants with a direct source of phosphorus and zinc. Mycorrhiza helps roots increase their surface area, therefore absorbing more nutrients; vermicompost adds organic matter to the soil. Such practices all contribute to higher crop yields as well as a better environment.

National Food Security Mission (NFSM)

In the National Food Security Mission 50 per cent of the cost limited to Rs 300 per hectare is provided as financial assistance for promoting biofertilizers. India has the 9th position and it has 1.94 million certified agricultural lands in the year 2018-19.

Conclusion

India tops in terms of several farmers engaged in natural farming practices and stands 9th in area under organic farming among 172 countries. While the organic farmer has rotating crops, planting throughout the year to maintain biodiversity and the health of the soil. This opens up the potential for year-round employment, revitalised local communities and reinvigorated global trade that can enhance their income.

For any queries or grievances, please contact the Department of Fertilisers here.