What is Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana (PKVY)?
Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana (PKVY) is a Government of India initiative. It is designed to promote organic farming through traditional practices. It also uses eco-friendly agricultural methods. The scheme focuses on reducing chemical inputs and restoring soil fertility. It also aims to improve farmers’ income by encouraging group-based organic cultivation and market-oriented production.
PKVY follows a cluster-based approach. Farmers work collectively to adopt organic methods. They get advanced training and obtain certification. Farmers also access better markets for their yield produced to get competitive prices.
Objectives of Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana
The main objectives of the PKVY scheme are:
- Promote organic and natural farming practices
- Reduce dependence on chemical fertilizers and pesticides
- Improve soil health and biodiversity
- Lower cultivation costs and increase net farm income
- Encourage cluster formation for collective farming and marketing
- Support on-farm organic input production
- Ensure quality assurance and traceability of organic produce
Cluster-Based Organic Farming under PKVY
One of the key strengths of PKVY is its cluster model.
What is a PKVY Cluster?
- A group of farmers located in a nearby geographical area
- Farmers collectively adopt organic farming practices
- Enables:
- Cost-effective training and extension services
- Group-based certification
- Aggregation of produce for better pricing
- Stronger market linkages
This approach makes organic farming more viable, especially for small and marginal farmers.
Major Components of the PKVY Scheme
1. Training and Capacity Building
Farmers are trained in:
- Compost and vermicompost preparation
- Green manuring and crop rotation
- Organic nutrient management
- Biological pest and disease control
- Intercropping, mixed farming, and mulching
Practical demonstrations and exposure visits are part of the training program.
2. Organic Inputs and Resource Management
PKVY promotes the use of locally available organic inputs, such as:
- Farm Yard Manure (FYM)
- Compost and vermicompost
- Jeevamrit and Beejamrit
- Bio-fertilizers and bio-pesticides
- Botanical and neem-based formulations
Support is also provided for setting up vermi-compost units and bio-input production units.
3. PGS Certification under PKVY
PKVY mainly adopts the Participatory Guarantee System (PGS) for organic certification:
- Low-cost and farmer-friendly system
- Group-based inspection and peer verification
- Ensures traceability and transparency
- Suitable for domestic organic markets
PGS certification helps farmers sell their produce as certified organic without high certification costs.
4. Branding, Packaging, and Market Linkage
The scheme supports:
- Development of organic brands at cluster or FPO level
- Packaging, labeling, and quality assurance
- Market linkages with:
- Local mandis and organic markets
- Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs)
- Retail chains and online platforms
- Direct farmer-to-consumer sales models
Eligibility for PKVY Scheme
The following are generally eligible under PKVY:
- Individual farmers (small, marginal, and medium)
- Farmer groups and clusters
- Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs)
- Self-Help Groups (SHGs) and cooperatives
Final eligibility and selection depend on state-specific guidelines.
How Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana is Implemented
The typical implementation process includes:
- Formation of farmer clusters
- Identification of suitable area and baseline survey
- Preparation of organic farming action plan
- Training and adoption of organic practices
- Registration under PGS certification
- On-farm organic input production
- Harvesting, aggregation, and marketing
- Continuous monitoring and evaluation
Benefits of PKVY Scheme for Farmers
- Reduced input costs due to lesser chemical usage
- Improved soil fertility and long-term productivity
- Safer and better-quality farm produce
- Access to premium organic markets
- Better bargaining power through collective marketing
- Environment-friendly and sustainable farming system
Challenges in PKVY Organic Farming
Despite its benefits, farmers may face:
- Initial yield fluctuations during conversion period
- Need for regular record-keeping under PGS
- Limited market access in some regions
- Time required to build organic brand value
These challenges can be managed with proper planning and strong market linkages.
Tips to Succeed under PKVY Scheme
- Start with crops having good organic market demand
- Maintain strict compliance with organic standards
- Strengthen farmer clusters and regular meetings
- Use FPOs for aggregation and marketing
- Develop local organic input production capacity
- Plan market channels before expanding cultivation
Conclusion
Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana (PKVY) is a farmer-centric and sustainable initiative. It promotes organic farming in India through a structured, cluster-based model. With proper training, PKVY can significantly reduce cultivation costs. Disciplined certification helps improve soil health and enhances farmers’ income. This approach also protects the environment.
FAQs on Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana
Q1. What is PKVY scheme?
PKVY is a government scheme that promotes organic farming through cluster-based approach and PGS certification.
Q2. Is PKVY suitable for small farmers?
Yes, PKVY is especially beneficial for small and marginal farmers.
Q3. What certification is used under PKVY?
PKVY primarily follows Participatory Guarantee System (PGS) certification.
Q4. Does PKVY provide financial support?
Support is provided for training, organic inputs, certification, and cluster activities as per state guidelines.
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