Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana

Scheme Introduction: A Brief Overview

Organic farming is becoming increasingly important as farmers look for ways to reduce cultivation costs, maintain soil fertility and produce safer agricultural products. To encourage this shift towards sustainable agriculture, the Government of India launched the Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana (PKVY) in 2015-16. The scheme promotes organic farming through a cluster-based approach and provides eligible farmers with financial assistance of ₹31,500 per hectare over three years. Out of this amount, ₹15,000 is transferred directly to farmers through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) for purchasing or preparing organic farming inputs. The scheme also supports organic certification, farmer training, packaging, branding, value addition and marketing of organic produce.

Initially introduced as a component of the Soil Health Management programme under the National Mission for Sustainable Agriculture (NMSA), PKVY is now one of the nine components of the Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (PM-RKVY), following the restructuring of agricultural schemes in October 2024. It is implemented by the Department of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, under the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Government of India, through State and Union Territory Governments.

The main objective of Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana is to encourage farmers to adopt organic farming practices using locally available resources, organic manure, biofertilisers and other natural inputs. It aims to reduce dependence on chemical fertilisers and pesticides, improve soil health, conserve natural resources and promote environmentally sustainable agriculture. The scheme also encourages farmers to work together in clusters, share resources, receive technical training and develop better market opportunities for their agricultural produce.

Under PKVY, financial assistance of ₹31,500 per hectare is provided over three years. This includes ₹15,000 for on-farm and off-farm organic inputs through DBT, ₹9,000 for training and capacity building, ₹4,500 for marketing, packaging, branding and value addition, and ₹3,000 for organic certification and residue analysis. Eligible farmers can receive assistance for a maximum landholding of 2 hectares, subject to the applicable scheme guidelines. Small and marginal farmers are given preference during cluster formation.

The scheme also facilitates organic certification through the Participatory Guarantee System of India (PGS-India) and the National Programme for Organic Production (NPOP). These certification systems help farmers establish the credibility of their organic produce and access suitable markets. Farmers are encouraged to participate in organic farming clusters and PGS-India Local Groups to collectively manage cultivation practices, certification and marketing activities.

For agricultural guidance and assistance with scheme-related queries, farmers can contact their nearest Agriculture Department office or call the Kisan Call Centre at 1800-180-1551. They can also approach their respective Regional Council for information about organic certification, farmer-group registration and implementation requirements.

Farmers interested in exploring other agricultural support programmes can also learn about the Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (PM-RKVY), the umbrella programme under which PKVY is currently implemented. They can also explore the Rajasthan Govardhan Jaivik Urvarak Yojana, which promotes organic manure production.

Scheme Benefits

The Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana (PKVY) provides financial and technical support to farmers who want to adopt organic farming. It helps reduce cultivation costs, improve soil fertility and create better marketing opportunities for organic agricultural produce. The major benefits of the scheme are as follows:

• Farmers receive financial assistance of ₹31,500 per hectare for three years to support organic farming activities.
• Out of the total assistance, ₹15,000 per hectare is transferred directly to farmers through DBT for purchasing or preparing organic inputs such as organic manure, biofertilisers and biopesticides.
• Farmers receive support for training and capacity building to learn organic farming techniques and prepare natural farming inputs.
• Financial assistance of ₹3,000 per hectare is provided for organic certification and residue analysis, helping farmers establish the quality of their produce.
• Farmers receive support for packaging, branding, marketing and value addition of organic agricultural products.
• The scheme promotes cluster-based farming, allowing farmers to share resources, exchange knowledge and collectively manage organic cultivation and certification.
• Farmers get access to recognised organic certification systems, including PGS-India and NPOP, which help improve the credibility and market acceptance of their produce.
• The scheme helps farmers reduce their dependence on chemical fertilisers and pesticides by encouraging the use of locally available organic inputs.
• It promotes better soil health, improves soil fertility and encourages the sustainable use of natural resources.
• Farmers get opportunities to connect with buyers through organic markets, exhibitions, buyer-seller meetings, Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs) and digital marketing platforms.
• The scheme encourages the formation of farmer groups and FPOs, helping small and marginal farmers participate in collective production, processing and marketing activities.
• It creates opportunities for farmers to improve their income by reducing input expenses and accessing markets for certified organic products.

Eligibility Requirements

The Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana (PKVY) supports farmers who want to adopt organic farming through a cluster-based approach. To receive financial assistance under the scheme, farmers must participate in an approved organic farming cluster and fulfil the applicable scheme guidelines. The key eligibility conditions are as follows:

• Farmers willing to adopt organic farming practices can participate in the scheme through the approved cluster-based implementation process.
• Financial assistance is subject to a maximum eligible land area of 2 hectares per farmer, as per the applicable scheme guidelines.
• Small and marginal farmers are given preference during the formation of organic farming clusters.
• Farmers must be part of an organic farming cluster, generally covering around 20 hectares of agricultural land.
• For community-based organic certification, farmers are required to join a PGS-India Local Group, wherever PGS-India certification is followed.
• Farmers must follow the prescribed organic farming practices and applicable certification standards.
• Participating farmers should be willing to adopt organic cultivation methods and maintain the required farm records for monitoring, certification and verification.
• Institutions involved in promoting organic agriculture may participate in eligible scheme activities, subject to the applicable guidelines and approval of the implementing authorities. Their eligibility does not automatically entitle them to individual farmer assistance.

Required Documents

Farmers interested in joining the Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana (PKVY) need to complete the registration and organic certification formalities through their respective farmer groups and Regional Councils. The following documents are generally required for individual farmer and group registration under the PGS-India system:

• Aadhaar card or other valid identity proof.
• Mobile number for registration and communication.
• Land ownership or land records, such as Khasra, Khatauni, Patta or other applicable land documents.
• Bank account details, including account number and IFSC code, for receiving eligible financial assistance through DBT.
• Recent passport-size photograph.
• Completed individual farmer application form.
• Farm History Sheet containing details of previous farming practices and agricultural inputs used.
• Signed PGS-India Organic Farmer's Pledge agreeing to follow the prescribed organic farming standards.
• Local Group registration application and list of participating farmers.
• Signed group agreement and Terms of Reference (ToR) for group operations.
• Farm maps showing the location and area of agricultural plots, wherever required.

Note: The exact document requirements may vary depending on the State Government and Regional Council. Farmers should confirm the required forms and supporting documents with their concerned Agriculture Department or Regional Council before registration. The prescribed registration formats are available through the PGS-India Portal.

Steps to Apply

Farmers who want to adopt organic farming under the Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana (PKVY) need to join an eligible organic farming cluster. The process is managed through State Agriculture Departments and Regional Councils. There is no single national application form for individual farmers. Follow these steps to participate in the scheme:

• Visit your nearest Block or District Agriculture Office, ATMA or Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK). Ask whether a PKVY organic farming cluster is available in your area.
• Join an existing cluster or discuss forming a new one with other interested farmers. A cluster generally covers around 20 hectares of agricultural land.
• Keep the required documents ready, such as identity proof, land details, bank account details and other documents requested by the implementing authorities.
• Submit your application through the concerned Agriculture Department or cluster-level implementing authority. The authorities will guide you through the enrolment process.
• The concerned Regional Council compiles eligible farmer applications into an Annual Action Plan and submits it to the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare for approval.
• After approval and release of funds, eligible farmers receive financial assistance according to the scheme rules. The assistance of ₹15,000 per hectare for organic farming inputs is transferred directly to eligible farmers through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT).

Farmers should contact their District Agriculture Office to confirm whether PKVY clusters are currently available in their area and to know the application process followed by their state.

Organic Certification Under Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana

Organic certification helps farmers show that they are growing crops by following approved organic farming practices without using prohibited chemical fertilisers and pesticides. It also helps buyers identify certified organic products and builds trust among consumers.

Under the Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana (PKVY), organic certification is primarily carried out through the Participatory Guarantee System of India (PGS-India). Another recognised certification system, the National Programme for Organic Production (NPOP), is also used by farmers and businesses, particularly those targeting larger and international markets.

1. Participatory Guarantee System of India (PGS-India)

PGS-India is a simple and affordable organic certification system, mainly designed for small and marginal farmers. It is managed by the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare through the National Centre for Organic and Natural Farming (NCONF). It is mainly useful for farmers who want to sell their organic produce in the domestic market.

Under this system, farmers form a group of at least five members. They visit each other's farms, check the farming methods being followed and make sure that all members follow the required organic farming standards. The concerned Regional Council (RC) supervises this process and approves the certification.

PGS-India provides two types of certification status:

• PGS-Green: This status is given to farmers whose farms are in the process of conversion to organic farming. They are following the required organic practices but have not yet completed the conversion period needed for full organic certification.
• PGS-Organic: This status is given after the required conversion period is completed and the farm meets the prescribed organic farming standards. Farmers can then market their produce as PGS-certified organic products, subject to the applicable rules.

Difference Between PGS-Green and PGS-Organic

Farmers do not receive full organic certification as soon as they start organic farming. Their farms must first go through a conversion period while they follow the required organic farming practices. The main differences between the two certification statuses are given below:

2. National Programme for Organic Production (NPOP)

The National Programme for Organic Production (NPOP) is another recognised organic certification system. It is particularly useful for farmers, processors and businesses that want to sell their products in larger markets, including international markets. It is managed by the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA), under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry.

Unlike PGS-India, where farmers check each other's farms, NPOP certification is provided through independent inspections by accredited certification agencies. These agencies check whether farmers and businesses are following the prescribed organic production standards.

• Certification is provided through APEDA-accredited certification agencies.
• Independent inspections are conducted to check farming and production practices.
• It supports the sale and export of certified organic agricultural products.
• It helps farmers, processors and businesses build trust among buyers.

Difference Between PGS-India and NPOP Certification

Both systems help farmers obtain organic certification, but they follow different methods and serve different market needs. The main differences are given below:

The time required to receive full organic certification under PGS-India depends on the type of crop and the applicable certification standards. During this period, farmers must maintain records of their farming activities, take part in group inspections and follow the guidance of their Regional Council.

Relevant Links

• Department of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare – Official Website
• PGS-India Portal
• National Centre for Organic and Natural Farming – PGS-India
• PM-RKVY Guidelines (Including PKVY)
• Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana Guidelines
• Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana Backgrounder
• Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana Official FAQs

Contact Information

Department of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare
Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Government of India

• Phone: 011-23385093 (Department's general contact number)
• Email: No dedicated PKVY email address could be verified in the Central Government directory.
• Address: Room No. 131, Krishi Bhawan, New Delhi, India.

National Centre for Organic and Natural Farming (NCONF)

Farmers seeking information about PGS-India certification and organic farming practices can also contact the National Centre for Organic and Natural Farming (NCONF).

• Phone: 120-2764906 / 120-2764212
• Email: [email protected]

For assistance regarding PKVY enrolment, cluster formation and organic certification, farmers can also contact their respective State Agriculture Department or concerned Regional Council. For general agricultural queries, farmers can call the Kisan Call Centre at 1800-180-1551.