Introduction
The Government of India introduced an initiative known as the Prime Minister's Programme for Restoration, Awareness Building, Nourishment, and Amelioration of Mother Earth (PM-PRANAM) on June 28, 2023. It is a program that indicates a necessary shift toward agricultural practices which recognize the importance of soil health in ensuring the long-term food security of the country. PM PRANAM specifically focuses on addressing the increasing worries regarding the utilization of chemical fertilizers and pesticides. Although these substances have traditionally led to crop yields, their adverse impact, on soil quality in the long run has been extensively recorded. To address this concern the initiative strives to encourage states to advocate for a balanced approach, of fertilizer usage and adopting sustainable farming methods. The key component revolves around a reward system. States that demonstrably reduce their reliance on chemical fertilisers will receive a portion of the saved subsidies. These funds can then be strategically invested to support sustainable land management practices, ultimately benefitting the states’ agricultural activities and overall development.
Objective of the scheme
The PM-PRANAM program tackles critical issues of soil health and fertiliser use in India through a strategic approach. It aims to encourage states to take a holistic approach for using fertilizers. This includes promoting the adoption of biofertilizers and natural alternatives in addition to chemical fertilizers. By implementing this strategy, it helps enhance soil health ultimately boosting long-term agricultural productivity. Furthermore, the program aims to lessen the government's burden of subsidizing chemical fertilizers by advocating for choices. This shift in resource allocation enables investments in government initiatives aligning with the push for sustainable farming practices and reducing dependence, on chemical inputs. Here are the scheme's key objectives:
- Promote Balanced Fertiliser Use: Encourage the use of a variety of fertilizers to maintain soil health and ensure outcomes by offering incentives, for biofertilizers and organic alternatives in addition, to chemical fertilizers.
- Reduce Reliance on Imports: Encourage the manufacturing of fertilizers to reduce reliance on imports and mitigate price fluctuations.
- Promote Sustainable Practices: Encourage regenerative agriculture principles such as integrated farming systems, micro irrigation, and crop rotation for a more sustainable agricultural sector.
- Reduce Long-Term Costs: Reducing the chemical fertilizer subsidy burden by promoting alternatives and freeing up resources for other government initiatives.
Features of the scheme are as follows:
- The scheme aims to reward farmers to reduce overall fertiliser consumption.
- It makes use of savings from reduced chemical fertiliser subsidies to fund its operations.
- States demonstrating reduced reliance on chemical fertilisers receive a grant equivalent to 50% of the saved subsidy.
- The grant promotes a balanced approach to fertilisation, encouraging the use of biofertilisers and organic alternatives, alongside chemical options.
- A significant portion (70%) of the grant is allocated for infrastructure development for alternative fertiliser production at various levels.
- The remaining portion of the grant (30%) rewards stakeholders that are actively engaged in reducing fertiliser use and raising awareness.
- The scheme is aiming to mitigate environmental degradation and promote sustainable agricultural practices.
- Infrastructure development at local levels empowers communities and fosters self-sufficiency.
- Emphasis on biofertilisers and organic alternatives contributes to long-term agricultural sustainability.
Need for the scheme
Chemical fertilizers which initially increase crop yields can harm the soil quality in the long-term impacting both the environment and agricultural productivity over time. To combat this issue, it is essential to transition towards sustainable farming practices. The PM PRANAM program presents a solution, by advocating for biofertilizers and organic options which not only improve soil health but also encourage eco-friendly methods. Furthermore, by promoting fertilizer production PM PRANAM aims to lessen reliance on imports making the agricultural industry more self-reliant and resilient to market changes. The significant cost of subsidizing chemical fertilizers puts a strain on government finances. By promoting alternatives, PM-PRANAM has the potential to significantly alleviate this strain. The reallocated resources can then be directed towards government programs that benefit the nation and its agricultural sector.
Recent Developments
- On June 30, 2023, the Minister of Chemicals & Fertilisers, Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya announced the allocation of Rs. 1451.84 crore (US$ 173 million) for Market Development Assistance (MDA) to promote organic fertilisers from the Gobardhan plants. This support aims to market Fermented Organic Manure (FOM), Liquid FOM (LFOM), and Phosphate Rich Organic Manure (PROM) derived from Biogas Plants and Compressed Biogas (CBG) Plants established under the Gobardhan initiative. The Gobardhan initiative also includes a subsidy of Rs. 1500 (US$ 18) per metric ton over the sale of each type of manure.
- These organic fertilisers, branded as FOM, LFOM, and PROM, offer solutions to post-harvest residue management and stubble burning while contributing to environmental cleanliness and providing additional income sources for farmers at affordable prices. Additionally, on the same date, the introduction of Sulphur Coated Urea (Urea Gold) was highlighted as a measure to address soil sulphur deficiency, reduce farmers' input costs, and increase production and productivity.
- The Minister of Chemicals & Fertilisers, Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya inaugurated the 59th Fertiliser Association of India Annual Seminar on December 06, 2023, emphasising the Indian fertiliser sector's support to 14 crore farming families and its significant role in shaping the global market.
- The Union Minister highlighted government efforts in ensuring stable fertiliser availability, promoting sustainable farming practices under initiatives, including PM-PRANAM, introducing innovative technologies such as Nano fertilisers, and making drone spraying services accessible through schemes such as NAMO Drone Didi. Additionally, he encouraged Indian industries to develop smart nutrients and emphasised the importance of greener fertiliser manufacturing.
Conclusion
The PM-PRANAM scheme presents a multifaceted approach in tackling critical issues in Indian agriculture. It incentivises states to adopt a balanced approach for fertiliser use, promoting domestic production of biofertilisers and organic alternatives. This initiative has the potential to significantly enhance soil health and secure long-term agricultural output. By embracing these practices, India can not only combat environmental degradation but also ensure the sector's lasting sustainability. Additionally, the program incentivises states to reduce their reliance on chemical fertilizers, creating a win-win scenario. States gain resources for vital investments, while the central government can ease the substantial financial burden it faces due to chemical fertiliser subsidies. These reallocated resources can then be directed towards projects that strengthen India’s agricultural sector and bolster national food security. However, the success of PM-PRANAM hinges on its execution. Sustained government commitment, robust monitoring through the iFMS platform and active stakeholder involvement are crucial in unlocking the program's full potential. As India strives for a resilient agricultural future, PM-PRANAM emerges as a promising step in the right direction.
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