Shamini 
(C): Twitter
As part of Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav, India is heading towards a continuing journey in sustainable agriculture. One of the significant initiatives creating momentum for organic farming all over India is the Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana (PKVY) programme administered by the Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare.
The PKVY programme is a part of the Pradhan Mantri-Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (PM-RKVY). The PKVY programme is promoting farmers moving away from chemical farming to farming in an eco-friendly manner.
What Is PKVY?
Initiated in 2015, the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Vikas Yojana (PKVY) supports cluster-based cultivation of organic food using a combination of traditional knowledge and modern slogan management practices. It also encourages farmers to form groups (clusters) to manage every step in the Organic Value Chain starting from production of organic inputs until the end of organic certification, marketing and branding. As of 31st December 2024, more than 14.99 lakh hectares have been brought under organic cultivation involving about 25.3 lakh farmers and 52,289 clusters.
Financial Assistance & Benefits
Farmers under PKVY are eligible for substantial financial support over three years
- INR 31,500 per hectare with INR 15,000 directly transferred for organic inputs.
- INR 4,500/ha for marketing, branding, packaging and value addition.
- INR 3,000/ha for certification and residue analysis.
- INR 9,000/ha for training and capacity building.
The Scheme also helps to establish and operate Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs) for improving post-harvest management and market access. There are a total of 9,268 FPOs registered under a Central Sector scheme to promote collectives using credit and input and infrastructure.
Eligibility Criteria
PKVY gives priority to:
- Small and marginal farmers especially in tribal, hilly and rainfed regions.
- Women farmers and Self-Help Groups (SHGs).
- Farmers willing to practice organic farming in clusters of 20 hectares or more.
- Farmers within default organic zones – areas with no chemical use for 5 years.
Farmers can register through local agricultural authorities or state nominated agencies. Each cluster ideally covers 500-1000 ha and works with linkages to the final market in mind.
Beyond Farming: Capacity Building and Market Integration
PKVY encompasses much more than cultivation, it is about giving farmers practical training, providing access to PGS-India organic certification, and allowing access to the Jaivik Kheti Portal which is a centralized marketplace for all certified organic produce.
With a focus on support and integrated planning, PKVY provides not just economic benefit, but builds environmental resilience making India a growing region of organic agriculture.
Click ‘here’ for official notice.
