EnvironmentSource: Press Information Bureau
PKVY: Nurturing Organic Farming in India
Saturday, 11 October 2025
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Last Updated: 2025-10-11 - The Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana (PKVY) is a pivotal government initiative aimed at nurturing organic farming in India. This scheme is crucial for UPSC aspirants as it relates to GS Paper 3, focusing on agriculture, environment, and sustainable development.
Key Facts About PKVY
- PKVY is part of the Soil Health Management under the National Mission on Sustainable Agriculture.
- Funding is shared between Central and State Governments at a 60:40 ratio.
- For North Eastern and Himalayan states, the funding ratio is 90:10.
- Union Territories receive 100% funding from the Central Government.
- Eligibility extends to all farmers and institutions with a maximum landholding of 2 hectares.
- Farmers are organized into clusters of 20 hectares for shared resources.
- Farmers receive ₹31,500 per hectare over three years for transitioning to organic farming.
- Organic certification includes Third-Party Certification and the Participatory Guarantee System.
India's Organic Farming Growth
Organic farming is integral to India's strategic goals of sustainable agriculture and environmental conservation. The PKVY scheme aligns with India's commitment to reducing chemical inputs and enhancing soil health. As of 2025, India ranks among the top countries in organic farming acreage, showcasing significant growth in rural prosperity and environmental sustainability.
Related Government Schemes/Policies
- Digital India: Enhances digital infrastructure for better market linkages.
- Atmanirbhar Bharat: Promotes self-reliance in agricultural practices.
UPSC Relevance
- GS Paper 3: Agriculture, Environmental Conservation, Sustainable Development
- Prelims Angle: Questions on funding ratios, eligibility criteria, and certification systems.
- Mains Angle: Analytical themes on organic farming's role in sustainable agriculture and rural development.
- Essay Paper: Topics on environmental sustainability and rural prosperity.
FAQ Section
- What is PKVY? PKVY, or Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana, is a government initiative to promote organic farming through financial support and certification systems.
- Why is PKVY important? PKVY is crucial for enhancing soil health, reducing chemical dependency, and improving farmers' livelihoods, aligning with India's sustainable development goals.
- What are the key features of PKVY? Key features include a funding ratio of 60:40 between Central and State Governments, ₹31,500 per hectare support, and cluster-based resource sharing.
Detailed Coverage
- PKVY is part of the Soil Health Management under the National Mission on Sustainable Agriculture.
- Funding is shared between Central and State Governments at a 60:40 ratio.
- For North Eastern and Himalayan states, the ratio is 90:10.
- Union Territories receive 100% funding from the Central Government.
- Eligibility extends to all farmers and institutions with a maximum landholding of 2 hectares.
- Farmers are organized into clusters of 20 hectares for shared resources.
- End-to-end support includes production, processing, certification, and marketing.
- Training is provided on organic techniques and soil fertility improvement.
- Market linkages foster direct access to local and national markets.
- Farmers receive ₹31,500 per hectare over three years for transitioning to organic farming.
- Organic certification includes Third-Party Certification and Participatory Guarantee System.
- PKVY empowers farmers and reduces dependency on chemical inputs.
- Implementation involves a structured, farmer-centric approach through Regional Councils.
- Large Area Certification was launched to expedite organic certification.
- PKVY aligns with initiatives like Digital India and Atmanirbhar Bharat.
- It promotes environmental conservation and rural prosperity.
Environment