- The PM-PRANAM scheme, which aims to promote the use of alternative fertilisers and the balanced use of chemical fertilisers, has been approved by the Union Cabinet.
- This programme, introduced in the budget for 2023-24, illustrates the government’s commitment to sustainable agriculture practises and natural resource protection.
What exactly is the PM-PRANAM Scheme?
- The Prime Minister Promotion of Alternate Nutrients for Agriculture Management Yojana is abbreviated as PM-PRANAM.
- The programme was recommended at the National Agriculture Conference for the Rabi Campaign in September 2022.
- Its goal is to promote the use of alternative fertilisers while reducing the subsidy burden on chemical fertilisers.
The scheme’s notable characteristics
- Incentives for states and territories: The plan encourages states and union territories to utilise alternative fertilisers and establish a balanced use of chemical fertilisers. Grants are awarded to states that demonstrate considerable financial savings as a result of reduced chemical fertiliser use.
- Allocation of Subsidy Savings: Approximately half of the subsidy savings resulting from reduced chemical fertiliser consumption will be distributed as a grant to the state with the greatest savings. This motivates states to take an active role in the adoption of alternative fertilisers.
- Asset Creation: A large amount (70%) of the grant monies will be used to create assets related to the technological integration of alternative fertilisers. This includes creating production units at the village, block, and district levels to facilitate local production and alternate fertiliser availability.
- Farmers’ Recognition and Incentives: The remaining 30% of the grant funds will be used to encourage and recognise farmers and other village entities for their contributions to fertiliser reduction. This acknowledges their efforts in implementing sustainable agriculture practises.
- Environmentally Friendly Farming Practises: The scheme’s goal is to encourage the use of alternative fertilisers in order to promote environmentally friendly farming practises. This minimises reliance on artificial fertilisers, which aids in environmental conservation and sustainability.
- Long-term Soil Health and Agricultural Ecosystems: The strategy ensures the long-term health and fertility of agricultural ecosystems by encouraging the balanced use of fertilisers. It emphasises sustainable agriculture practises that safeguard natural resources and preserve soil health.
- Technological Integration: The initiative encourages the incorporation of technology into agriculture in order to produce and use alternative fertilisers. This includes establishing production units at the grassroots level, boosting local production, and making alternative fertilisers available.
Source: https://indianexpress.com/article/opinion/columns/it-is-time-to-realise-the-potential-of-india-philippines-relations-8691329/