(a) whether of late several farmers in the country are switching over to organic
farming from chemical based farming;
(b) if so, the extent thereof during each of the last three years and the current
year, State-wise;
(c) the details of the Centrally Sponsored Schemes launched by the
Government for promotion of organic farming in the country; and
(d) the funds earmarked or allocated and utilised by the States during the
current year for promoting organic farming, State-wise?
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE, FOOD
PROCESSING INDUSTRIES AND PARLIAMENTARY AFFAIRS (SHRI HARISH RAWAT)
(a): There is no report of any mass switch over to organic farming from chemical
based farming but gradually farmers are switching over to organic farming.
(b): State-wise area under organic farming for last 3 years is annexed.
(c): A Centrally Sector Scheme – National Project on Organic Farming (NPOF)
launched in 2004-05. The project, inter-alia, provides financial assistance for
setting up commercial organic inputs production units for nutrient mobilization and
plant protection through Capital Investment Subsidy for fruit & vegetable waste/
agro-waste compost production units, bio-fertilizer, bio-pesticides production units,
development and implementation of quality control regime and technical support
for organic and biological inputs, human resource development through trainings,
capacity building for low cost alternative certification.
(d): Under National Project on Organic Farming (NPOF) scheme funding to the
States has been discontinued since 2010.