Central Government Agriculture Scheme for Farmers : Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana (PKVY)

Central Government Scheme : Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana (PKVY)  

Introduction :

Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana (PKVY) is a government scheme in India that promotes organic farming and the adoption of traditional farming practices. The scheme encourages farmers to cultivate crops without the use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides, focusing on the principles of ecological balance and sustainability. 

The main features of the Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana (PKVY) scheme are as follows:

Organic farming promotion: PKVY focuses on promoting organic farming practices among farmers. It encourages the adoption of traditional and indigenous farming methods, without the use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides.

Cluster-based approach: The scheme follows a cluster-based approach, where groups of farmers practicing organic farming are formed into clusters called "Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Kendras" (PKVKs). These clusters serve as centers for knowledge sharing, capacity building, and collective efforts in organic farming.

Financial assistance: PKVY provides financial support to farmers for the adoption and promotion of organic farming practices. The financial assistance covers various aspects such as organic inputs, vermicompost units, traditional seeds, organic certification, and training and capacity building activities.

Organic certification support: The scheme helps farmers in obtaining organic certification for their farms. Financial assistance is provided for the organic certification process, which involves complying with organic standards and guidelines. Organic certification adds credibility to the farmers' organic produce and facilitates access to organic markets.

Training and capacity building: PKVY emphasizes training and capacity building programs for farmers, farm workers, and extension personnel. These programs aim to enhance their understanding of organic farming practices, traditional knowledge systems, composting techniques, and natural pest management methods. Training is conducted through workshops, demonstrations, field visits, and exposure to successful organic farms.

Market linkages and market development: PKVY facilitates market linkages for organic produce by connecting farmers with organic certification agencies, organic product companies, retail outlets, and marketing cooperatives. It promotes the development of organic markets and provides necessary support to farmers for accessing better markets and fetching remunerative prices for their organic produce.

Monitoring and evaluation: The scheme has a robust monitoring and evaluation system in place to track the progress and impact of organic farming practices. Regular monitoring of the PKVKs is carried out to ensure compliance with organic farming guidelines and to assess the effectiveness of the scheme.

Area-based approach: PKVY follows an area-based approach, focusing on clusters of farmers practicing organic farming in contiguous areas. This approach helps create a critical mass of organic farms, facilitates knowledge exchange, and creates a sustainable organic farming ecosystem.

Traditional seed conservation: The scheme emphasizes the conservation and promotion of traditional and indigenous seeds. Farmers are encouraged to conserve and use traditional seeds for their crops, preserving agro-biodiversity and traditional knowledge associated with these seeds.

Finance and Subsidy :

Under the Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana (PKVY) scheme, financial assistance and subsidies are provided to farmers for the adoption and promotion of organic farming practices. Here is an overview of the finance and subsidy components of the PKVY scheme:

Financial Assistance: The central government provides financial assistance to farmers participating in the PKVY scheme. The assistance is provided on a cost-sharing basis between the central and state governments.

Subsidy for Organic Inputs: Farmers are eligible for subsidies on organic inputs such as organic manures, bio-fertilizers, bio-pesticides, vermicompost units, and other organic farming inputs. The subsidy rates vary and are determined by the implementing authorities.

Seed Subsidy: The PKVY scheme also provides subsidies for traditional and indigenous seeds. Farmers can avail subsidies on the purchase of traditional seeds for organic farming, encouraging the conservation and use of traditional seed varieties.

Subsidy for Vermicompost Units: Farmers can avail subsidies for setting up vermicompost units. Vermicompost is an organic fertilizer produced by the decomposition of organic material through earthworms. Subsidies for vermicompost units aim to promote the production and utilization of organic fertilizers.

Organic Certification Subsidy: Financial assistance is provided to farmers for obtaining organic certification for their farms. The subsidy covers a portion of the expenses involved in the organic certification process, including compliance with organic farming standards and guidelines.

Training and Capacity Building Subsidy: The PKVY scheme offers subsidies for training and capacity building programs conducted for farmers, farm workers, and extension personnel. These subsidies cover a portion of the expenses associated with organizing workshops, demonstrations, field visits, and training programs related to organic farming practices.

It's important to note that the specific subsidy rates and financial assistance provided under the PKVY scheme may vary from state to state and are subject to changes based on government policies and budgetary decisions. Farmers interested in availing subsidies under the PKVY scheme should refer to the official guidelines and contact the State Department of Agriculture or the designated implementing agency in their respective state for detailed information on subsidy rates, application procedures, and eligibility criteria.

The Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana (PKVY) scheme has several advantages and disadvantages. Here are some of the main advantages and disadvantages associated with the PKVY scheme:

Advantages of PKVY Scheme:

Promotion of organic farming: The PKVY scheme encourages farmers to adopt organic farming practices, reducing reliance on chemical inputs and promoting environmentally sustainable agricultural practices. It helps in improving soil health, preserving biodiversity, and reducing the environmental impact of agriculture.

Income enhancement: Organic produce generally fetches higher prices in the market due to increased consumer demand for organic products. By adopting organic farming practices under the PKVY scheme, farmers have the potential to increase their income by accessing premium markets for organic produce.

Conservation of traditional knowledge: The PKVY scheme emphasizes the conservation and promotion of traditional and indigenous farming practices. This helps in preserving traditional knowledge systems, crop varieties, and sustainable farming techniques, contributing to the cultural heritage and agricultural diversity of the country.

Soil health improvement: Organic farming practices promoted under the PKVY scheme focus on building soil fertility and improving soil health through the use of organic manures, composting, and other natural inputs. This can enhance long-term soil productivity and reduce soil degradation.

Reduced health risks: By reducing the use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides, the PKVY scheme can help mitigate health risks associated with pesticide exposure for farmers, farm workers, and consumers. It promotes safer agricultural practices and encourages the production of chemical-free food.

Disadvantages of PKVY Scheme:

Transition challenges: Shifting from conventional farming practices to organic farming methods may pose initial challenges for farmers. It requires learning new techniques, adjusting to different pest management strategies, and managing the transition period during which yields may be lower.

Limited scalability: Organic farming typically requires more land, time, and labor compared to conventional farming methods. The PKVY scheme, focusing on traditional and indigenous practices, may have limitations in terms of scalability to larger agricultural systems.

Market access and premium pricing: While organic farming can provide higher prices for produce, accessing organic markets and obtaining premium prices may be challenging for some farmers. Market linkages, certification costs, and meeting quality standards can pose hurdles for farmers participating in the PKVY scheme.

Yield variability: Organic farming practices may result in yield variability compared to conventional farming methods, especially during the transition period. Farmers may face fluctuations in crop yields, which can impact their income stability.

Certification costs: Obtaining organic certification can involve costs and administrative procedures. Farmers participating in the PKVY scheme may need to invest time and resources in complying with organic certification requirements, which can be a potential disadvantage for small-scale farmers with limited resources.

How To Apply:

To apply for the Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana (PKVY) scheme, you can follow these general steps:

Visit the official website: Go to the official website of the State Department of Agriculture or Horticulture of your respective state. The PKVY scheme is implemented at the state level, so it is important to refer to the specific guidelines and application procedures provided by your state government.

Gather information: Obtain detailed information about the PKVY scheme, including eligibility criteria, application process, required documents, and timelines. This information can be found on the official website or by contacting the State Department of Agriculture or Horticulture.

Check eligibility: Review the eligibility criteria to determine if you meet the requirements for availing benefits under the PKVY scheme. The eligibility criteria may include factors such as landholding, type of farming, category of farmer, and other specific conditions set by the state government.

Prepare necessary documents: Gather all the required documents as specified in the application guidelines. This may include identity proof, land documents, bank account details, caste or category certificates (if applicable), and any other supporting documents as per the scheme's requirements.

Fill out the application form: Obtain the application form from the designated authority or download it from the official website. Fill out the form accurately and provide all the necessary details as requested. Make sure to double-check the information provided before submitting the form.

Attach supporting documents: Attach all the required supporting documents along with the application form. Ensure that the documents are duly attested or certified as per the guidelines mentioned in the application form.

Submit the application: Submit the completed application form along with the supporting documents to the designated authority or department. Follow the specified submission process, which may include submitting the application in person, mailing it, or applying online through a dedicated portal, if available.

Follow-up and verification: After submitting the application, regularly follow up with the designated authority or department to track the progress of your application. They may conduct verification processes, site visits, or additional documentation checks as part of the application evaluation process.

Benefit disbursal: If your application is approved, you will be notified by the designated authority regarding the benefits you are eligible to receive under the PKVY scheme. The assistance, subsidies, or other benefits will be disbursed through the designated mode, such as direct bank transfer, as per the prescribed procedure.