Freya
The Indian government has recently launched a groundbreaking scheme called PM-PRANAM Yojana, aimed at transforming the agricultural landscape and reducing reliance on chemical fertilizers.
This innovative program, with its comprehensive approach and attractive incentives, promises to benefit both farmers and the environment. Let’s delve deeper into the details of this game-changing initiative.
What Is PM-PRANAM Yojana and How Will It Impact Indian Farmers?
The PM-PRANAM Yojana, short for ‘Programme for Restoration, Awareness, Nourishment and Amelioration of Mother Earth,’ is a visionary scheme initiated by the Indian government to promote sustainable agricultural practices. Its primary goal is to incentivize states and union territories to adopt alternative fertilizers and reduce the excessive use of chemical fertilizers. By doing so, the scheme aims to restore the health of the soil, protect the environment, and ensure a sustainable future for farming.
Unique Features and Benefits of PM-PRANAM Yojana
One of the most noteworthy aspects of PM-PRANAM Yojana is that it will not burden the government with additional expenses. Instead, the scheme will be subsidized by the savings derived from existing fertilizer assistance under other schemes. This cost-effective approach ensures that the initiative can be sustained in the long run while minimizing financial strain on the government.
Under this scheme, states that achieve significant savings in fertilizer expenditure will receive a 50% subsidy as a grant. This grant can be used to develop technological infrastructure for alternative fertilizer production and adoption at the village, block, and district levels. By encouraging the establishment of production units for alternative fertilizers, the scheme aims to promote local entrepreneurship and boost rural development.
The Vision Behind PM-PRANAM Yojana
The PM-PRANAM Yojana not only focuses on state-level incentives but also aims to empower farmers, panchayats, farmer-producer organizations, and self-help groups. The scheme allocates 30% of the grant towards incentivizing these stakeholders who actively participate in reducing fertilizer usage and generating awareness among farmers. This approach fosters a sense of community involvement and collective responsibility towards sustainable farming practices.
Nirmala Sitharaman’s Budget Announcement and Urea Subsidy Scheme
In her Budget 2023 speech, Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman unveiled the PM-PRANAM Yojana as a crucial step towards promoting alternative fertilizers and balanced use of chemical fertilizers. This announcement coincided with the approval of a substantial package of Rs 3,68,000 crores for the continuation of the Urea Subsidy Scheme, highlighting the government’s commitment to transforming the agricultural sector.
Encouraging Natural Farming and Creating Bio-Input Resource Centres
The PM-PRANAM Yojana is part of a broader strategy outlined in the annual Union Budget 2023 to drive farmers towards adopting natural farming practices. Sitharaman emphasized the government’s goal of facilitating 1 crore farmers to adopt natural farming over the next three years. To achieve this, the budget allocates funds for setting up 10,000 Bio-Input Resource Centres, which will create a national-level network for manufacturing micro-fertilizers and pesticides.
The PM-PRANAM Yojana heralds a new era of sustainable farming in India. By promoting alternative fertilizers, reducing chemical fertilizer usage, and empowering farmers and communities, this scheme holds immense potential to transform agriculture and protect the environment. With the government’s commitment and the active participation of stakeholders, India is on the path to a greener and more prosperous future for its farmers.
