The Government of India is taking significant strides in promoting organic farming through schemes such as Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana (PKVY) and Mission Organic Value Chain Development for the North Eastern Region (MOVCDNER). These initiatives aim to support farmers from production to marketing, ensuring economic viability and sustainability. Under PKVY, financial assistance of Rs. 31,500 per hectare for three years is provided, with Rs. 15,000 allocated for organic inputs via Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT). MOVCDNER, focusing on the Northeast, provides Rs. 46,500 per hectare over three years, including Rs. 32,500 for organic inputs, strengthening the organic farming ecosystem. To standardize organic produce, two certification systems have been developed: Third-Party Certification under the National Programme for Organic Production (NPOP), enabling farmers to access export markets and Participatory Guarantee System (PGS-India) under the Ministry of Agriculture, facilitating farmer-led quality assurance for domestic markets. These certifications are crucial for enhancing consumer trust and expanding market access for organic products. As per government data, 59.74 lakh hectares are under organic certification. States like Madhya Pradesh (11.48 lakh ha), Maharashtra (10.01 lakh ha), and Rajasthan (5.80 lakh ha) lead in organic farming, while Sikkim has set an example as India’s first fully organic state. To ensure market availability, states conduct exhibitions, trade fairs, and buyer-seller meets. Additionally, the Jaivik Kheti web portal allows direct farmer-to-consumer sales, enhancing price realization for over 6.22 lakh registered farmers. While organic farming presents numerous benefits, challenges like high certification costs, limited market access, and the time-consuming transition from conventional farming persist. The government must further streamline certification processes, enhance digital marketing platforms, and promote awareness among consumers. With sustained policy support and farmer participation, organic farming can emerge as a cornerstone of India’s agricultural future, fostering sustainability, enhancing soil health, and ensuring better incomes for farmers.
