Central government highlights organic farming as youth opportunity in parliamentary answer

The MP asked the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare to detail government measures, schemes, and financial incentives to promote youth participation in organic farming, including certification, market linkages, and technology integration.

Asked and answered by: Asked by Shri Ve Vaithilingam; Answered by the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare (Minister Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan).

What the government said

• Two main schemes implemented since 2015-16: Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana (PKVY) and Mission Organic Value Chain Development for North Eastern Region (MOVCDNER).
• PKVY provides assistance of Rs. 31,500 per hectare over 3 years, including Rs. 15,000 via Direct Benefit Transfer for inputs and Rs. 4,500 for marketing/branding.
• MOVCDNER provides assistance of Rs. 46,500 per hectare over 3 years for North Eastern States, including Rs. 32,500 for organic inputs.
• 16.35 lakh hectares certified under the Participatory Guarantee System (PGS-India), benefiting 24.14 lakh farmers.
• 39.68 lakh hectares certified under the National Programme for Organic Production (NPOP) till 2025-26.
• APEDA exported 3,03,249.40 MT of organic products during 2025-26 to countries including USA, EU, and Japan.
• National Cooperative Organics Limited (NCOL) has achieved sales of approximately ₹40 crore and launched over 28 certified organic products under the 'Bharat Organics' brand.
• 1,085 students trained for the Organic Cultivator course and 21,792 for the Organic Grower Course between 2021-2022 and 2026-2027.
• Agriculture Infrastructure Fund (AIF) has approved 681 Organic Input Production projects with a sanctioned loan amount of Rs. 1183.83 crore.
• Modified Interest Subvention Scheme (MISS) provides loans up to Rs. 3.00 lakh at an effective interest rate of 4%.

Also in the document

• The answer states that organic farming has emerged as a sustainable career and entrepreneurship opportunity for youth.
• The answer notes that Agriculture is a State subject, and the central government supplements state efforts through policy and budgetary assistance.
• The answer mentions that 185 FPOs have been identified for organic promotion out of 10,000 created under the FPO Scheme, and 479 FPOs were created under MOVCDNER.