Haryana and Gujarat have not utilized funds allocated for organic farming under the Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana (PKVY) scheme, raising concerns about the effectiveness of these initiatives.
Haryana and Gujarat’s Failure to Utilize Funds for Organic Farming
Haryana and Gujarat have come under scrutiny for their failure to utilize funds allocated for organic farming. The Union agriculture minister, Arjun Munda, has revealed that these two states did not spend any of the Rs 15 lakh they received over the last three years under the Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana (PKVY) scheme.
( Credit to: Thewire )
The lack of utilization of funds by Haryana and Gujarat raises concerns about the effectiveness of these initiatives in promoting sustainable agricultural practices and supporting farmers. It is crucial for the government to ensure that allocated funds are utilized appropriately to achieve the goals of organic farming.
PKVY Scheme and its Objectives
The Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana (PKVY) scheme is an initiative introduced by the Union government to promote organic farming across the country, excluding the northeastern states. The scheme aims to support farmers in all aspects of organic farming, from production to processing, certification, marketing, and post-harvest management.
Through the PKVY scheme, farmers receive direct-benefit transfers for adopting organic inputs and fertilizers. It is designed to encourage the adoption of organic farming practices and make agriculture more sustainable and climate-friendly.
Discrepancies in Fund Utilization
Haryana received Rs 5.05 lakh, while Gujarat received Rs 10.10 lakh under the PKVY scheme. However, both states failed to utilize these funds for organic farming initiatives. In contrast, Uttarakhand received the highest amount of Rs 180 crore and successfully utilized Rs 143 crore. Other eligible states received over Rs 4 crore in total.
The failure of Haryana and Gujarat to effectively utilize the allocated funds raises questions about the implementation and monitoring of these schemes. It is essential for the government to ensure that the funds are utilized appropriately to promote sustainable agricultural practices and support farmers across the country.
Promoting Organic and Natural Farming
In addition to the PKVY scheme, the government also promotes natural farming, which differs from organic farming as it avoids the use of purchased farm inputs. This is done through a sub-scheme within the PKVY program.
The promotion of organic and natural farming is part of India’s efforts to support small-scale farmers and make agriculture more sustainable and climate-friendly. These initiatives aim to reduce the dependency on chemical inputs and promote environmentally friendly practices.
Concerns and Way Forward
The lack of utilization of funds by Haryana and Gujarat highlights the need for improved implementation and monitoring of these schemes. It is crucial for the government to ensure that the allocated funds reach the intended beneficiaries and are utilized effectively.
Efforts should be made to raise awareness among farmers about the benefits of organic farming and provide them with the necessary training and support. Additionally, regular monitoring and evaluation should be conducted to track the progress and impact of these initiatives.
By addressing these concerns and taking proactive measures, the government can enhance the effectiveness of organic farming initiatives and support the transition towards sustainable agriculture in Haryana, Gujarat, and across the country.