Understanding Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana: Supporting Organic Farming in India

Overview of Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana

Launched in 2015–16, the Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana (PKVY) is an initiative by the Government of India designed to promote organic farming and sustainable agricultural practices. Originally introduced under the National Mission for Sustainable Agriculture (NMSA), the scheme is currently implemented as a component of the Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (PM-RKVY).

The primary objective of PKVY is to encourage farmers to reduce their dependence on chemical fertilisers and pesticides by adopting organic methods utilising locally available natural resources and biofertilisers. The scheme follows a cluster-based approach to foster resource sharing, technical training, and collective marketing.

Financial Assistance and Key Benefits

Under PKVY, eligible farmers receive financial support structured over a three-year period. The financial provisions and scheme benefits include:

• Total Assistance: ₹31,500 per hectare provided over three years.
• Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT): ₹15,000 per hectare transferred directly to farmers for purchasing or preparing organic inputs such as biofertilisers, organic manure, and biopesticides.
• Training and Capacity Building: Funds allocated for farmer training and technical guidance on natural farming techniques.
• Certification and Quality Control: Financial support designated for organic certification processes and residue analysis.
• Marketing and Value Addition: Assistance aimed at packaging, branding, and improving market access for organic produce.

Eligibility and Cluster Formation

Participation in the scheme requires adherence to specific guidelines established by the implementing authorities:

• Cluster Participation: Farmers must be part of an approved organic farming cluster, which typically covers around 20 hectares of agricultural land.
• Landholding Limit: Financial assistance is generally subject to a maximum eligible land area of 2 hectares per farmer.
• Target Groups: Small and marginal farmers receive preference during the formation of organic farming clusters.
• Record Keeping: Participating farmers must maintain required farm records and follow prescribed organic cultivation standards.

Organic Certification Systems

To establish the credibility of organic produce, the scheme facilitates certification through recognised frameworks:

• Participatory Guarantee System of India (PGS-India): A peer-review, community-based certification system primarily designed for domestic markets, operating through PGS-India Local Groups and supervised by Regional Councils. It offers statuses such as *PGS-Green* (during conversion) and *PGS-Organic* (fully certified).
• National Programme for Organic Production (NPOP): Managed by APEDA, this system involves independent inspections by accredited agencies and is commonly utilised for larger or international markets.

How to Verify and Apply

Farmers interested in participating can confirm cluster availability and application procedures through official channels:

• Visit the nearest Block or District Agriculture Office, Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK), or ATMA centre.
• Contact the toll-free Kisan Call Centre at 1800-180-1551 for general agricultural queries and assistance.
• Consult official government portals or regional agriculture departments for updated guidelines, required documentation (such as land records and identity proof), and registration formats.