Organic Farming Supporting Farmer income and livelihood in india
The Indian government is advocating for organic farming as a component of its agricultural policy to ensure sustainable agriculture, food security, and environmental preservation. These initiatives showcase the government’s dedication to endorsing organic farming as a sustainable and eco-friendly agricultural approach. The primary objectives of the central government’s organic farming policy are as follows:
- To encourage the adoption of organic farming techniques to decrease reliance on chemical fertilizers and pesticides, which can adversely impact soil health, human health, and the environment.
- To promote the cultivation and consumption of organic food to enhance overall public health and well-being.
- To bolster rural development and generate employment opportunities in rural areas by promoting organic farming methods.
- To enhance India’s agricultural export capacity by increasing the production and quality of organic products.
To accomplish these goals, the Indian government has implemented a range of schemes and initiatives, including:
- Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana (PKVY): Initiated in 2015, this scheme aims to foster organic farming by converting existing agricultural lands into organic ones. It offers financial aid and technical assistance to farmers for land conversion and certification.
- National Programme for Organic Production (NPOP): Established in 2007, NPOP provides guidelines and standards for the production, import, and export of organic products in India. It also emphasizes the certification and accreditation of organic products to ensure quality and authenticity.
- National Mission for Sustainable Agriculture (NMSA): Aligned with the National Agricultural Extension and Climate Resilience Mission (NAECRM), this mission promotes sustainable agricultural practices, including organic farming, to augment farmers’ income and enhance the quality of agricultural yields.
- Organic Value Chain Development in the North Eastern Region (OVCDNE): This initiative focuses on fostering organic value chains in India’s northeastern region, which boasts rich biodiversity and significant potential for organic farming.
- Organic Connect: Launched in 2017, Organic Connect is an online platform aimed at linking organic farmers, processors, exporters, and consumers in India to bolster the growth of the organic sector.
- Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (RKVY): This scheme extends financial support to states for executing various agricultural activities, including organic farming, with the goal of improving overall productivity and income levels of farmers. These schemes and initiatives underscore the government’s dedication to advancing organic farming and realizing sustainable agricultural development in India.