The government has been actively promoting organic farming to enhance sustainable agricultural practices and ensure environmental conservation. In a written reply to the Lok Sabha on March 18, 2025, Minister of State for Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Ramnath Thakur, highlighted that since 2015-16, a total of 59.74 lakh hectares have been brought under organic farming. This initiative is being driven through two major schemes—Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana (PKVY) and Mission Organic Value Chain Development for the North Eastern Region (MOVCDNER).
The government has been promoting organic farming with a focus on end-to-end support for farmers, covering everything from production to post-harvest management. These schemes aim to create resilient, climate-friendly agricultural systems that enhance soil fertility, conserve natural resources, and minimize dependency on external inputs. Through capacity-building initiatives and hands-on training, farmers have been equipped with the knowledge and resources necessary to transition to organic practices.
Under the PKVY scheme, financial assistance of Rs 31,500 per hectare is provided over three years. Of this, Rs 15,000 per hectare is directly transferred to farmers through DBT for organic inputs, Rs 4,500 per hectare is allocated for marketing and branding, Rs 3,000 per hectare for certification, and Rs 9,000 per hectare for training and capacity building.
Similarly, the MOVCDNER scheme provides financial assistance of Rs 46,500 per hectare over three years to support organic input procurement and the formation of Farmers Producer Organizations. This includes Rs 32,500 for off-farm and on-farm organic inputs, with Rs 15,000 directly credited to farmers' accounts. Farmers can avail of assistance for up to two hectares under both schemes.
To ensure the credibility of organic produce, the government has established two certification systems. The Third Party Certification under the National Programme for Organic Production (NPOP) is managed by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry and facilitates exports. Additionally, the Participatory Guarantee System (PGS-India) under the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare involves farmers and stakeholders in assessing and verifying each other's production practices, promoting transparency and trust in organic certification.
Recognizing the importance of market access, states are actively organizing seminars, conferences, workshops, buyer-seller meetings, and organic fairs. These events provide platforms for farmers to showcase their produce, expand their market reach, and foster connections with consumers and industry stakeholders.
Further financial assistance under PKVY includes Rs. 4,500 per hectare for value addition, marketing, and advertising, alongside Rs. 3,000 for certification and training.
