Lok Sabha Question No. 288 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2023-12-05
Subject: Sustainable Farming
Ministry: AGRICULTURE AND FARMERS WELFARE
Asked by: Sushil Kumar Rinku

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE AND FARMERS WELFARE DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE AND FARMERS WELFARE

## LOK SABHA

## UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 288

TO BE ANSWERED ON THE 05 TH  DECEMBER, 2023

## SUSTAINABLE FARMING

288. SHRI SUSHIL KUMAR RINKU:

Will the Minister of AGRICULTURE AND FARMERS WELFARE क ृ िष एवं िकसान कʞाण मंũी be pleased to state:

- (a) whether  the  Government  has  taken  any  steps  to  promote  sustainable  farming, organic  farming  and  reduce  the  use  of  pesticides  inputs  in  Punjab  and  if  so,  the  details thereof;
- (b) whether the Government has initiated any policies in this regard and if so, the details thereof;
- (c) whether the Government has taken any measures for better market access and fair prices for agricultural produce in Punjab and if so, the details thereof; and
- (d) whether any proposal has been or is being taken by the Government to enhance the income  and  livelihoods  of  farmers  in  Punjab  and  if  so,  the  details  thereof,  State/districtwise?

## ANSWER

MINISTER OF AGRICULTURE AND FARMERS WELFARE क ृ िष एवं िकसान कʞाण मंũी (SHRI NARENDRA SINGH TOMAR)

- (a) to (d): For  promotion  of  organic  farming,  Government  is  implementing  scheme  of Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana (PKVY) since 2015-16. PKVY is being implemented in all the States across the country including the state of Punjab, other-than North Eastern (NE) States. Where a separate scheme of Mission Organic Value Chain  Development  for  North  Eastern  Region  (MOVCDNER).    Under  the  PKVY  & MOVCDNER  schemes,  farmers  are  encouraged  to  adopt  organic  cultivation  and  are provided end to end support from production to value addition, certification and marketing of organic produce.

The Government of Punjab has informed that the state of Punjab is promoting PKVY scheme  specifically  for  promotion  of  Organic  farming.  Punjab  Agri  Export  Corporation Limited, which is a Government Institution of Punjab State, has been appointed as Nodal agency for Promotion of Organic farming in the state of Punjab since 2015. In the state of Punjab,  2000  farmers  practice  Organic  farming  in  5000  acre  under  the  supervision  of Punjab Agri Export Corporation Limited.

Under PKVY assistance is provided @ Rs.15.0 lakh / 1000 ha cluster for 3 years to facilitate  farmers  for  direct  marketing  of  their  organic  products  to  the  buyers.  In  addition, assistance is provided @ Rs.53.0 lakh /1000 ha clusters for 3 years for branding, publicity, exhibition,  trade  fairs  and  other  marketing  initiatives  to  support  direct  buying  of  organic products from farmers. A dedicated web portal- www.Jaivikkheti.in/  has been created as online marketing platform for direct marketing of organic produce by the farmers to get a better price.

Government  is  also  implementing  the  'Sub-Mission  on  Plant  Protection  and  Plant Quarantine' through 35 Central Integrated Pest Management Centers located in 28 States and 2 UTs  with a mandate to popularize adoption of Integrated Pest Management (IPM) through  training  and  demonstration  in  crops,  inter-alia  promotion  of  biological  control approaches in crop protection technology with major emphasis on judicious use of chemical pesticide as a last resort, safety in use of pesticides, alternate tools for pest management viz; cultural, physical, mechanical methods of pest control as well as use of bio-pesticides and bio-control agents.

Organic  farming  creates  livelihood  opportunities  for  farmers  and  enhances  return. However, the Government of Punjab has informed that for marketing organic products of farmers,  Punjab  Agro  buys  organic  products  at  premium  prices  above  MSP.  Organic products of Punjab Agro are also sold and exported under the brand 'FIVE RIVERS'. With regard  to  marketing  of  organic  products,  Punjab  Agri  Export  Corporation  Limited  is providing  market  facilities  to  organic  farmers  for  selling  organic  produce  like  fruits  and vegetables and other organic products etc. at various places in the state of Punjab. Other than that Punjab Agri Export Corporation Limited has established the Organic huts for the marketing of organic products of farmers in various districts of Punjab.

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