PM PRANAM Scheme on Fertilizers

The Union Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) has granted approval for PM PRANAM, a program designed to provide incentives to states for adopting alternative, non-chemical fertilisers.

The committee has decided to extend the current urea subsidy for a period of three years, commencing from FY23, with a total allocation of Rs 3.68 trillion.

PM PRANAM Yojana: Discovering the Depths

PM PRANAM especially aims to tackle the growing concerns about the usage of chemical fertilisers and pesticides.

The Indian government implemented an effort called the Prime Minister’s Programme for Restoration, Awareness Building, Nourishment, and Amelioration of Mother Earth (PM-PRANAM) on June 28, 2023.

This program signifies a crucial transition towards agricultural techniques that acknowledge the significance of soil health in guaranteeing the country’s long-term food security.

While these compounds have historically resulted in increased crop yields, their long-term detrimental effects on soil quality have been well documented.

In order to address this concern, the program aims to promote governments’ advocacy for a balanced approach, encompassing both fertiliser consumption and the adoption of sustainable farming methods. The central element revolves around a system of incentives.

PM PRANAM Objectives

Here are the scheme’s key objectives –

• Encourage the adoption of a diverse range of fertilisers to maintain soil health and achieve desired results. Provide incentives for the use of biofertilizers and organic alternatives, in addition to chemical fertilisers, to promote balanced fertiliser use.
• Stimulate the manufacturing of fertilisers to decrease dependence on imports and alleviate price volatility.
• Promote the use of regenerative agriculture ideas, including integrated farming systems, micro irrigation, and crop rotation, to foster a more sustainable agricultural sector.
• By advocating for alternatives to chemical fertilisers and reallocating resources, the cost of subsidising chemical fertilisers can be reduced, allowing for the allocation of funds to other government initiatives.

PM PRANAM Scheme Benefits

Benefits of this scheme are –

• The scheme’s objective is to incentivise farmers to decrease their overall usage of fertilisers.
• It use the savings obtained from decreased subsidies for chemical fertilisers to finance its activities.
• The scheme’s objective is to reduce environmental degradation and encourage the use of sustainable agriculture techniques.
• Local infrastructure development empowers communities and promotes self-reliance.
• Prioritising the use of biofertilisers and organic alternatives adds to the long-term sustainability of agriculture.

PM PRANAM Scheme PIB

On June 28, 2023, the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs authorised the “PM Programme for Restoration, Awareness Generation, Nourishment, and Amelioration of Mother-Earth (PM-PRANAM)”.

The program supports States/UTs’ efforts to safeguard Mother Earth by promoting sustainable and balanced fertiliser usage, alternative fertilisers, organic and natural farming, etc.

It covers all states/UTs. The aforementioned initiative will grant a State/UT 50% of the fertiliser subsidy saved in a financial year by reducing chemical fertiliser (Urea, DAP, NPK, MOP) use compared to the previous three years.

State/UT governments can use this money to benefit residents, particularly farmers.

PM PRANAM Apply Online

Unlock the potential of the program with just a few straightforward clicks! The online application process is intentionally designed to be user-friendly and highly efficient.

To submit your application, please go our website and complete the application form by providing your personal information.

PM PRANAM Eligibility

In order to qualify for the scheme, applicants must satisfy the following criteria –

• Accessible to all States and Union Territories.
• Grant funding is available for programs that aim to adopt and produce alternative fertilisers.
• 30% of the money can be allocated for providing incentives to farmers, panchayats, and other similar groups.
• iFMS data will be utilised for ensuring compliance and monitoring.

PM PRANAM Budget

The PRANAM system does not allocate a distinct budget, but provides a 50% subsidy on savings to States and Union Territories (UTs).

According to the program, 70% of the grant can be used to develop assets for the implementation of alternative fertilisers and establish production facilities for these fertilisers.

30% of the funding that is left can be utilised to provide incentives to farmers, panchayats, farmer producer organisations, self-help groups, and other similar entities.

In order to substantiate this, information from the Integrated Fertiliser Management System (iFMS), which is accessible through the Fertiliser Ministry’s dashboard, will be employed.

PM PRANAM Fertilizer

It is recommended that a State/UT get 50% of the fertiliser subsidy saved by reducing chemical fertiliser (Urea, DAP, NPK, MOP) use compared to the previous three years as a grant.

The scheme plan lasts three years (2023-24–2025-26). All states/UTs qualify for the plan.

• The state that achieves the savings will get a grant equivalent to 50% of the subsidy savings.
• 70% of the funding allocated under the scheme can be utilised for the establishment of assets pertaining to the technological integration of alternative fertilisers and the production units of such fertilisers at the village, block, and district levels.
• 30% of the grant money can be allocated to provide incentives to farmers, panchayats, farmer producer organisations, and self-help groups that are actively engaged in reducing the usage of fertilisers and raising awareness about it.
• Bilateral, regional, and global alliances and agreements that involve India and/or have an impact on India’s interests.

Closing Remarks

The PM PRANAM initiative employs a comprehensive strategy to address challenges in agriculture. It provides incentives for states to embrace a well-rounded approach to fertiliser usage, encouraging the indigenous manufacturing of biofertilizers and organic substitutes.

This effort has the capacity to greatly improve soil health and ensure sustainable agricultural production in the long run. By adopting these techniques, India may effectively address environmental deterioration and assure the long-term viability of the sector.

Moreover, the initiative provides incentives for governments to decrease their dependence on chemical fertilisers, resulting in a mutually beneficial situation.

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