Question : Production of Organic Agricultural Inputs

(a) whether the Government is taking any steps to promote production of organic inputs including bio-fertilizers in the country and if so, the details thereof;

(b) whether the Government will provide financial assistance to farmers to produce bio-fertilizers and if so, the details thereof;

(c) the number of farmers benefited under the programme in the State of Karnataka;

(d) the details of the funds spent for the purpose in the State of Karnataka; and

(e) whether the Government is aware that there is a need to further encourage the programme to reach out to more people and regions with adequate financial support and if so, the response of the Government in this regard?

MINISTER OF AGRICULTURE AND FARMERS WELFARE

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(a) & (b): Government of India has initiated a number of steps for promoting organic inputs ( bio-fertilisers, bio-pesticides, vermi-compost, botanical extracts etc) and has been providing assistance/ incentives for production/ procurement under various schemes viz:

• Paramparagat Krishi Vikash Yojana (PKVY): assistance of RS 50,000 per hectare/ 3 years is given, out of which Rs. 31,000 (61%) is provided to the farmers directly through DBT, for inputs (bio fertilisers, biopesticides, vermicompost, botanical extracts etc) production/ procurement, post harvest infrastructure etc.

Contd….2/-


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• Under Mission Organic Value Chain Development for North Eastern Region (MOVCDNER) farmers are given assistance of Rs 7500/ha/3 years for on-farm and off-farm organic inputs, production/ procurement.
• Soil Health Cards (SHCs): 100% assistance is provided to State Government / Government agencies for setting up of liquid/ carrier based Bio-fertilizer/ Bio-pesticide units to up to a maximum limit of Rs.160.00 lakh / unit for Government agencies and up to Rs.40 lakh/unit (up to 25% project cost) for individuals/ private agencies through NABARD.

• National Mission on Oilseeds and Oil Palm (NMOOP): financial assistance@ 50% subsidy to the tune of Rs. 300/- per ha is being provided for different components including bio-fertilizers, supply of Rhizobium culture/Phosphate Solubilising Bacteria (PSB)/ Zinc Solubilising Bacteria (ZSB)/ Azatobacter/ Mycorrhiza and vermi compost.
• National Food Security Mission (NFSM): Under NFSM, financial assistance is provided for promotion of Bio-Fertilizer (Rhizobium/PSB) @50% of the cost limited to Rs.300 per ha.
(c) & (d): Total 1,35,000 farmers have benefitted by the use of bio-fertilizers during 2018-19 under departmental distribution programmes in Karnataka The funds spent for the purpose under the programmes are as follows:
Scheme Funds spent (in lakhs)
Central Govt. Schemes 118.4
State Govt. Sector Schemes 163.73

(e): Realising the importance of organic farming as a sustainable agriculture practice for reducing the cost of cultivation and ensuring remunerative prices to the farmers as well as health of humans and environment, Government is constantly supporting States and farmers in their endeavor to being more area under organic agriculture.




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