The Centre has been promoting organic farming through various government schemes such as Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana (PKVY) and Mission Organic Value Chain Development in North East Region (MOVCDNER).
Farmers are given financial assistance of Rs 31000/ ha / three years under PKVY and Rs 32500/ ha/ three years under MOVCDNER for organic inputs like seeds, and bio-fertilizers, bio-pesticides, organic manure, compost/ vermicompost, botanical extracts etc. In addition, support is also provided to group/ Farmers Producers Organization (FPO) formation, training, certification, value addition & marketing of their organic produce.
The government has also introduced organic cultivation on either side of the River Ganga under the National Mission of Clean Ganga (NMCG), natural farming, large area certification, and support for individual farmers under PKVY to enhance the area under organic farming.
Subsidies for organic farming
Financial help is provided under different schemes by the Government to promote organic farming in the country. Let’s discuss them in detail;
Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana (PKVY)
The scheme basically promotes cluster-based organic farming with the PGS certification. Cluster formation, training, certification, and marketing are supported under this scheme. Monetary help of Rs.50,000 per ha /3 years is given - out of which 62 percent i.e., Rs. 31,000 is provided as an incentive to the farmer for organic inputs.
Mission Organic Value Chain Development for North Eastern Region (MOVCDNER)
The scheme encourages third-party certified organic farming of niche crops of the northeast region through Farmers Producer organizations (FPOs) with a focus on exports. Farmers are given the assistance of Rs 25000/ha/3 years for organic inputs including organic manure and biofertilizers etc. Support for the formation of FPOs, capacity building, and post-harvest infrastructure up to Rs 2 crores are also provided in the scheme.
Capital Investment Subsidy Scheme (CISS) under Soil Health Management Scheme
100% assistance is provided to State Government / Government agencies for setting up of mechanized fruit/vegetable market waste/ Agro waste compost production unit up to a maximum limit of Rs.190.00 Lakh per unit (3000 Total /Annum TPA capacity). Likewise, for individuals/ private agencies assistance up to 33 percent of cost limit to Rs 63 lakh/unit as capital investment is given.
National Mission on Oilseeds and Oil Palm (NMOOP)
Financial assistance at 50 percent subsidy to the tune of Rs. 300/ ha is being given for different components like bio-fertilizers, supply of Rhizobium culture/Phosphate Solubilising Bacteria (PSB)/Zinc Solubilising Bacteria (ZSB)/ Azatobacter/ Mycorrhiza and vermicompost.
National Food Security Mission (NFSM)
Under Integrated Pest Management or Plant Protection, Rs. 500 per ha or 50 percent of the cost whichever is less is provided as assistance for a maximum acreage of 2 ha per farmer. Assistance is given for Plant Protection Chemicals, Bio-pesticides, and Weedicides.
