Why in the News?
After a decade (2015–2025), Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana (PKVY) has evolved from a pilot cluster model into a national ecosystem of training, certification, and market access.
About Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana (PKVY):
- Launch: Introduced in 2015 under the Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare as part of the National Mission for Sustainable Agriculture (NMSA) to promote organic and traditional chemical-free farming.
- Cluster-Based Model: Farmers form 20 ha+ clusters for collective organic adoption, resource sharing, and easier certification & marketing.
- Eligibility & Funding Flow: Open to farmers/institutions with land up to 2 ha; applications via Regional Councils → Annual Action Plans → States → DBT to farmers.
- Financial Support: ₹31,500/ha over 3 years, covering inputs, training, certification, and marketing.
- Certification Systems:
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- NPOP (Third-Party Certification): for export and formal markets.
- PGS-India (Participatory Guarantee System): community-driven, peer-reviewed certification for domestic markets.
- Large Area Certification (LAC): initiated in 2020 to fast-track certification in areas with no prior chemical use, reducing conversion time.
- Digital Integration: Jaivik Kheti portal links farmers, buyers, input suppliers for transparent, traceable organic trade.
Achievements (as of Jan 2025):
- Scale: ₹2,265.86 crore released; 15 lakh ha organic area, 52,289 clusters, 25.3 lakh farmers.
- Certification: Sikkim fully organic, Lakshadweep & Dantewada LAC-certified, expansion to Nicobar & Ladakh.
- Digital Reach: 6.23 lakh farmers, 19,016 groups, 8,676 buyers on Jaivik Kheti portal.
- Institutional Growth: 9,268 FPOs formed; expanded market linkages for premium organic produce.
- Ecological Gains: Reduced chemical load, improved soil fertility, local input ecosystems strengthened.
Challenges:
- Yield Dip: Transitional productivity loss strains small farmers.
- Certification Costs: Verification and residue testing remain expensive.
- Market Gaps: Uneven price premiums and weak buyer networks.
- Cluster Variation: Success depends on local leadership and coordination.
- Sustainability: Post-funding continuity often uncertain; technical gaps persist.
| [UPSC 2018] With reference to organic farming in India, consider the following statements:
1. The National Programme for Organic Production’ (NPOP) is operated under the guidelines and directions of the Union Ministry of Rural Development.
2. The Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority’ (APEDA) functions as the Secretariat for the implementation of NPOP.
3. Sikkim has become India’s first fully organic State.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Options: (a) 1 and 2 only (b) 2 and 3 only* (c) 3 only (d)1, 2 and 3 |
Why in the News?
The Union Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare has come up with the guidelines for setting up of bio-input resource centres (BRC) under the National Mission on Natural Farming (NMNF).
What are Bio-Input Resource Centres (BRCs)?
- BRCs are part of the National Mission on Natural Farming (NMNF), aimed at promoting chemical-free and sustainable agriculture.
- BRCs will produce, store, and supply bio-inputs like Jeevamrit, Beejamrit, and Neemastra using local livestock by-products and plant-based materials.
- Key Functions:
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- Local Production: Ensures availability of bio-fertilizers and bio-pesticides, reducing dependency on synthetic inputs.
- Training: Provides training on bio-input preparation and natural farming techniques.
- Entrepreneurship: Promotes local entrepreneurship, empowering self-help groups (SHGs) and farmers.
- Affordability: Aims to make sustainable farming practices accessible to small and marginal farmers.
- Financial support of Rs 1 lakh per BRC are provided in two tranches of Rs 50,000, though experts raise concerns about its adequacy for infrastructure.
Back2Basics: National Mission on Natural Farming (NMNF):
- NMNF is a Centrally Sponsored Scheme was launched on November 2024 under the Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare, promoting chemical-free farming.
- Objectives:
- Focus on eco-friendly practices and organic methods.
- Reduce input costs by minimizing chemical usage.
- Restore soil health, promote biodiversity, and improve climate resilience.
- Implementation Strategy:
- Establish 15,000 clusters across Gram Panchayats.
- Train 1 crore farmers and implement practices on 7.5 lakh hectares.
- Establish 10,000 BRCs for bio-input accessibility.
- Deploy 30,000 Krishi Sakhis for mobilization.
- Financial Outlay: ₹2,481 crore until 2025-26.
| [UPSC 2021] How is permaculture farming different from conventional chemical farming?
1.Permaculture farming discourages monocultural practices, but in conventional chemical farming, monoculture practices are predominant. 2.Conventional chemical farming can cause an increase in soil salinity, but this phenomenon is not observed in permaculture farming. 3.Conventional chemical farming is easily possible in semi-arid regions, but permaculture farming is not so easily possible in such regions. 4.The practice of mulching is very important in permaculture farming but not necessarily so in conventional chemical farming.
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
Options: (a) 1 and 3 (b) 1, 2, and 4* (c) 4 only (d) 2 and 3 |
Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:
Prelims level: National Programme for Organic Production (NPOP) and its features
Why in the News?
The Ministry of Commerce & Industry has inaugurated the 8th edition of the National Programme for Organic Production (NPOP) emphasizing India’s goal to enhance organic farming and achieve ₹20,000 crore in organic exports within the next 3 years.
About the National Programme for Organic Production (NPOP):
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Details |
| About |
- Launched in 2001.
- Implemented by the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) under the Ministry of Commerce & Industries.
- Focuses on accreditation, organic production standards, and promoting organic farming.
- Enhances India’s global competitiveness in organic farming and supports eco-friendly and viable practices.
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| Features of the 8th Edition |
- Recognition for Organic Grower Groups: Simplified certification requirements for grower groups, granting them legal status and replacing the Internal Control System (ICS), a previous quality assurance system for group certification.
- NPOP Portal: Provides visibility and streamlines operations for organic stakeholders.
- Organic Promotion Portal: Connects farmers, Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs), and exporters with global buyers, offering trade leads, training, and events.
- TraceNet 2.0: Upgraded system ensuring farm-to-market transparency, traceability, and compliance with global standards.
- AgriXchange Portal: Facilitates data analysis and connects international buyers and sellers to strengthen India’s position in the global organic market.
- 6. Technological Advancements: Boosts organic farming operations through innovative systems and tools, enhancing India’s organic production ecosystem.
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| Significance |
- Sets standards for organic production and accreditation, recognized by the European Commission and Switzerland, enabling acceptance of Indian organic products internationally.
- Facilitates India’s integration into the global organic market.
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Do you know?
- India ranks 2nd globally in terms of organic agricultural land.
- Sikkim is the world’s first fully organic state, and North East India has a tradition of organic farming with minimal chemical use.
- India has the highest number of organic producers worldwide, with 2.3 million farmers.
- By 2023-24, approximately 4.5 million hectares (2.5% of total agricultural land) were under organic certification.
- Madhya Pradesh (26%), Maharashtra (22%), Gujarat (15%), and Rajasthan (13%) together contribute 76% of India’s total organic farming area.
|
PYQ:
[2021] How is permaculture farming different from conventional chemical farming?
- Permaculture farming discourages mono-cultural practices but in conventional chemical farming, monoculture practices are predominant.
- Conventional chemical farming can cause an increase in soil salinity but the occurrence of such phenomenon is not observed in permaculture farming.
- Conventional chemical farming is easily possible in semi-arid regions but permaculture farming is not so easily possible in such regions.
- Practice of mulching is very important in permaculture farming but not necessarily so in conventional chemical farming.
Select the correct answer using the code given below.
(a) 1 and 3
(b) 1, 2 and 4
(c) 4 only
(d) 2 and 3 |
Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:
Prelims level: About National Mission on Natural Farming (NMNF)
Mains level: Concerns related to Natural Farming
Why in the news?
In the 2024-25 Budget proposals, Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman declared that over the next two years, one crore farmers nationwide will be introduced to natural farming, with support provided through certification and branding.
National Mission on Natural Farming (NMNF):
- The National Mission on Natural Farming (NMNF) aims to encourage farmers to adopt chemical-free farming practices and willingly shift to natural farming based on the merits of the system.
- The government believes the success of NMNF hinges on changing farmers’ behaviour to transition from chemical-based inputs to cow-based, locally-produced inputs, supported by a financial outlay of ₹4,645.69 crore over six years (2019-20 to 2024-25) under the ‘Bharatiya Prakritik Krishi Paddhati’ scheme.
What is natural farming?
- Natural farming avoids the use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides, instead promoting traditional indigenous practices.
- It focuses on recycling on-farm biomass, employing biomass mulching, and utilizing formulations made from cow dung and urine.
- Pests are managed through diverse farming practices and on-farm botanical mixtures, strictly excluding all synthetic chemical inputs.
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What are the concerns related to Yield?
- Yield Reduction: Agricultural experts are concerned that a large-scale transition to natural farming could result in reduced crop yields. Studies have shown significant declines in yield for staples like wheat (59%) and basmati rice (32%) compared to integrated crop management systems.
- Food Security: Lower yields from natural farming could threaten food security in a populous country like India, potentially only being able to feed around one-third of the population with staples like wheat and rice.
Findings on the Ground:
- Mixed outcomes: Field experiments have shown mixed results. Some studies indicate improved yields and incomes with lower costs due to biological inputs, while others show a decline in productivity.
- Good Results in Andra Pradesh: In Andhra Pradesh, adopting natural farming methods has shown promising results, leading to better crop yields and enhanced farmers’ incomes.
- Concerns about sustainability and productivity: Agro-scientists from the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) and the Indian Institute of Farming Systems Research (IIFSR) have raised concerns about the sustainability and productivity of natural farming methods.
Differences in Studies:
- CESS Study: The Centre for Economic and Social Studies (CESS) and Institute for Development Studies Andhra Pradesh found that natural farming practices led to improved yields and incomes for farmers, thereby enhancing food and nutritional security.
- ICAR-IIFSR Study: The study by ICAR-IIFSR reported a significant decline in yields of key crops like wheat and basmati rice when compared to conventional farming practices, suggesting a negative impact on food supply.
Case study of Sri Lanka:
- Policy Shift: Sri Lanka’s decision to completely switch to organic farming and ban chemical fertilizers led to economic and political turmoil.
- Yield Decline: Farmers struggled to obtain natural fertilizers, resulting in reduced yields of key crops, including rice.
- Food Security Risk: The shift put the country’s food security at risk, causing sharp price escalations and widespread protests and unrest.
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Way forward:
- Localized Implementation and Scientific Validation: Need to conduct rigorous scientific studies and extensive field trials to validate the productivity and viability of natural farming methods before scaling them up nationwide.
- Hybrid Approach and Support for Farmers: Govt. should adopt a hybrid approach that combines the best practices of both natural and conventional farming to ensure food security.
Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:
Prelims level: GHG Emissions
Mains level: climate change and food insecurity
Central idea
The article underscores the critical challenges of climate change and food insecurity facing humanity. It emphasizes the significance of climate-smart agriculture (CSA) as a holistic approach, promoting sustainable development, resilience to climate change, and greenhouse gas emission reduction.
Key Highlights:
- Global Challenges: Addressing climate change and food insecurity as critical global issues.
- Impact on Agriculture: Discussing the negative effects of climate change on agriculture, leading to increased challenges for farmers.
- Holistic Solution: Introducing climate-smart agriculture (CSA) as a holistic solution to adaptation and mitigation challenges.
- Emphasizing Importance: Highlighting the importance of CSA in enhancing resilience, improving productivity, and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
- Government Initiatives: Citing Indian government initiatives promoting CSA, such as the National Adaptation Fund and Soil Health Mission.
Key Challenges:
- Climate Risks: Analyzing the substantial risks posed by climate change to agricultural productivity, with India potentially facing a 9% decline in crop yield.
- Need for Reforms: Discussing the need for significant reforms in the agriculture industry to adapt traditional farming practices to climate change.
- Transformative Approach: Emphasizing the requirement for a radical transformation of the agriculture sector to achieve sustainable development goals.
Key Terms/Phrases:
- Holistic Approach: Exploring the concept of climate-smart agriculture (CSA) and its three pillars.
- Precision Farming: Highlighting the importance of precision farming in optimizing agricultural methods.
- Climate-Resilient Agriculture: Describing the role of CSA in building resilience against climate change.
- Agroforestry and Carbon Sequestration: Identifying specific CSA measures for environmental benefits.
- Paris Agreement: Linking CSA to global initiatives such as the Paris Agreement on reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
Key Examples and References:
- Global Efforts: Noting community-supported agriculture efforts worldwide as examples of CSA in action.
- Specific Measures: Citing studies from the northwest Indo-Gangetic Plain showcasing the benefits of CSA for wheat production.
- Government Support: Referring to government initiatives in India, including the Soil Health Card Scheme.
- International Frameworks: Connecting CSA to international frameworks like the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals.
Key Facts/Data:
- Climate Impact: Highlighting the potential 9% decline in crop yield in India due to climate change.
- GHG Emissions: Noting agriculture’s significant share (17%) in greenhouse gas emissions in 2018.
- Economic Autonomy: Pointing out the economic autonomy gained by farmers through CSA implementation.
- Government Initiatives: Providing data on government spending on initiatives like the National Adaptation Fund.
Critical Analysis:
- Urgency of Action: Emphasizing the urgency of addressing climate change’s impact on agriculture and the need for a comprehensive approach like CSA.
- Positive Outcomes: Discussing the positive outcomes of CSA, including economic autonomy for farmers and benefits to biodiversity conservation.
- Localized Responses: Highlighting the importance of localized responses to climate change and the role of CSA in meeting international obligations.
Way Forward:
- Investment in Capacity-Building: Recommending continued investment in capacity-building programs for CSA.
- Knowledge Dissemination: Emphasizing the importance of providing practical tools and knowledge for the adoption of CSA.
- Triple Goals: Stating the role of CSA in ensuring food security, empowering farmers, and protecting ecosystems.
- Unique Juncture in India: Recognizing the unique juncture in India where CSA adoption is essential due to climate vulnerability and agricultural significance.
Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:
Prelims level: ZBNF
Mains level: Promotion of Organic Farming
Women farmers in the hill State of Himachal Pradesh are gradually turning to non-chemical, low cost “natural farming”, under the Prakritik Kheti Khushhal Yojana (PK3Y).
Prakritik Kheti Khushhal Yojana
- Launched in 2018, the State’s PK3Y is promoting the climate resilient Subhash Palekar Natural Farming (SPNF), also called ‘Zero Budget Natural Farming’.
- Over 1.5 lakh farmers have been trained in natural farming in the State so far, with substantial numbers of women participants.
About Zero Budget Natural Farming (ZBNF)?
- ZBNF is a set of farming methods, and also a grassroots peasant movement, which has spread to various states in India.
- Subhash Palekar perfected it during the 1990s at his farm in Amravati district in Maharashtra’s drought-prone Vidarbha region.
- According to the “zero budget” concept, farmers won’t have to spend any money on fertilisers and other agricultural inputs.
- Over 98% of the nutrients that crops require — carbon dioxide, nitrogen, water, solar energy — are already present in nature.
- The remaining 1.5-2% are taken from the soil, after microorganisms convert them from “non-
Four Wheels of ZBNF
The “four wheels” of ZBNF are ‘Jiwamrita’, ‘Bijamrita’, ‘Mulching’ and ‘Waaphasa’.
- Jiwamrita is a fermented mixture of cow dung and urine (of desi breeds), jaggery, pulses flour, water and soil from the farm bund.
- This isn’t a fertiliser, but just a source of some 500 crore micro-organisms that can convert all the necessary “non-available” nutrients into “available” form.
- Bijamrita is a mix of desi cow dung and urine, water, bund soil and lime that is used as a seed treatment solution prior to sowing.
- Mulching, or covering the plants with a layer of dried straw or fallen leaves, is meant to conserve soil moisture and keep the temperature around the roots at 25-32 degrees Celsius, which allows the microorganisms to do their job.
- Waaphasa, or providing water to maintain the required moisture-air balance, also achieves the same objective.
Astra’s of ZBNF against pest attacks
- ZBNF advocates the use of special ‘Agniastra’, ‘Bramhastra’ and ‘Neemastra’ concoctions.
- They are based on cow urine and dung, plus pulp from leaves of neem, white datura, papaya, guava and pomegranates — for controlling pest and disease attacks.
Is it organic farming?
- ZBNF uses farmyard manure or vermicompost.
However, not all farmers are convinced about ZBNF. Why?
- Cost of labour: The cost of labour for collection of dung and urine, apart from the other inputs used in preparation of Jiwamrita, Neemastra or Bramhastra is quit higher.
- Bovine cost: Keeping cows is also a cost that has to be accounted for. Farmers cannot afford to keep desi cows that yield very little milk.
- Vulnerability to pest attacks: ZBNF is scarcely practiced. The crop grown would be vulnerable to attacks by insects and pests have already become pest-immune.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:
Prelims level: Biochar and its application
Mains level: Use as organic farming option
A new research has shown that Biochar application is more effective in promoting pulses growth and yield in Ghana.
Try this PYQ:
Q.In the context of which one of the following are the terms ‘pyrolysis and plasma gasification’ mentioned? (CSP 2019)
(a) Extraction of rare earth elements
(b) Natural gas extraction technologies
(c) Hydrogen fuel-based automobiles
(d) Waste-to-energy technologies
What is Biochar?
- Biochar is a high-carbon, fine-grained residue that is currently produced through modern pyrolysis processes (direct thermal decomposition of biomass in the absence of oxygen and preventing combustion).
- It produces a mixture of solids (the biochar proper), liquid (bio-oil), and gas (syngas) products.
- Biochar may increase soil fertility of acidic soils (low pH soils), increase agricultural productivity, and provide protection against some foliar and soil-borne diseases.
Its benefits
- Carbon Sink: The burning and natural decomposition of biomass releases large amounts of carbon dioxide and methane to the Earth’s atmosphere. The biochar production process also releases CO2 (up to 50% of the biomass); however the remaining carbon content is stable indefinitely.
- Soil Amendment: Biochar is recognized as offering a number of soil health benefits. The extremely porous nature of biochar is found to be effective at retaining both water and water-soluble nutrients. Its presence in the earth can improve water quality, increase soil fertility, raise agricultural productivity, and reduce pressure on old-growth forests.
- Water retention: Biochar is hygroscopic. Thus it is a desirable soil material in many locations due to its ability to attract and retain water.
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Back2Basics
What is Pyrolysis?
- Pyrolysis is the thermal decomposition of materials at elevated temperatures in an inert atmosphere.
- It involves a change in chemical composition. The word is coined from the Greek-derived elements pyro “fire” and lysis “separating”.
- It is most commonly used in the treatment of organic materials. It is one of the processes involved in charring wood.
- It is considered as the first step in the processes of gasification or combustion.
How does it work?
- In general, pyrolysis of organic substances produces volatile products and leaves a solid residue enriched in carbon, char.
- Extreme pyrolysis, which leaves mostly carbon as the residue, is called carbonization.
- The process is used heavily in the chemical industry, for example, to produce ethylene, many forms of carbon, and other chemicals from petroleum, coal, and even wood, to produce coke from coal.
