Lok Sabha Question No. 3654 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2024-12-17
Subject: Steps to Promote Sustainable Farming and Organic Farming
Ministry: AGRICULTURE AND FARMERS WELFARE
Asked by: Shri Haribhai Patel

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

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 3654

TO BE ANSWERED ON THE 17 TH     DECEMBER, 2024

## STEPS TO PROMOTE SUSTAINABLE FARMING AND ORGANIC FARMING

## 3654. SHRI HARIBHAI PATEL:

Will the Minister of AGRICULTURE AND FARMERS WELFARE कृ ͪष एवं ͩकसान कãयाण मंğी be pleased to state:

- (a) whether the Government has taken any steps to promote sustainable farming, organic farming and reduce the use of pesticide inputs 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 Gujarat 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 Gujarat and if so, the details thereof, State/District-wise?

## ANSWER

THE MINISTER OF STATE FOR AGRICULTURE AND FARMERS WELFARE कृ ͪष एवं ͩकसान कãयाण राÏय मंğी (SHRI RAMNATH THAKUR)

- (a) & (b): Government  is  implementing  Paramparagat  Krishi  Vikas  Yojana  (PKVY)  in  all  the States/UTs and Mission Organic Value Chain Development for North Eastern Region (MOVCDNER) to  promote  sustainable  &  organic  farming.  The  schemes  stress  on  end-to-end  support  to  farmers engaged  in  organic  farming  i.e.  from  production  to  processing,  certification  &  marketing  and  postharvest management. Training and Capacity Building are integral part of the scheme. Integrated Pest Management  (IPM)  is  encouraged  eco-friendly  approach,  which  is  an  encompassing  cultural, mechanical, biological and need based chemical control measures.   Central Integrated Pest Management Centres  located  in  28  States  and  2  UTs  train  farmers  on  IPM.  Various  activities  are conducted  to  impart  training  on  plant  protection  measures,  such  as  farmer  field  schools,  seed treatment campaigns and safe and judicious use of pesticides awareness programs etc. to treat the borne disease and for healthy crops.
- (c): Rs 15.72 crore has been provided to the state of Gujarat under PKVY since 2015-16, including the assistance for branding, publicity, exhibitions, trade fairs, and other marketing initiatives to support the  direct  purchase  of  organic  products from farmers.  A  dedicated  web  portal has  been  created for direct marketing of organic produce by the farmers to get better prices.
- (d): Agriculture  being  a  State  Subject,  the  State  Governments  take  appropriate  measures  for development of agriculture. Government of India supplements the efforts of States through appropriate policy measures, budgetary support and various schemes/programmes. The various schemes/programmes are meant to support States, including Gujarat, for the welfare of farmers by increasing production, remunerative returns and income support to farmers. Central Sector & Centrally Sponsored Schemes of the Ministry are operational in Gujarat. District-wise details of schemes and the  component  therein  are  not  maintained  centrally.  Government  of  Gujarat  has  informed  that  the scheme 'National  Mission  for  Sustainable  Agriculture-  Rain-fed  Area  Development'  is  implemented from this year to train farmers.

*****