Government Boosts Natural Farming and Agricultural Efficiency Through Innovative Initiatives

New Delhi:  The Government of India has been actively promoting natural farming and embracing advanced technologies in agriculture to enhance efficiency and support farmers. Since 2019-2020, the government has championed chemical-free farming through the Bharatiya Prakritik Krishi Paddhati (BPKP) sub-scheme under the Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana (PKVY). The initiative has seen the allocation of 4.09 lakh hectares and a release of Rs. 70.13 Crore for natural farming across 8 states.

Under the BPKP, the government has sanctioned 1.48 lakh hectares along the Ganga Corridor for the promotion of natural farming. To further the cause, the National Mission on Natural Farming (NMNF) has been established as an independent scheme, expanding on the BPKP.

Recognizing the importance of technology in agriculture, the government is actively promoting the use of drones. Under the Sub-Mission on Agricultural Mechanization (SMAM), financial assistance is provided for the purchase and demonstration of drones. Institutes under the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs), State Agriculture Universities (SAUs), and other government agricultural institutions receive financial aid for the acquisition and demonstration of drones.

Financial assistance is extended to Farmers Producers Organizations (FPOs) for the demonstration of Kisan Drones on farmers’ fields, providing up to 75% of the cost. Custom Hiring Centres (CHCs), FPOs, and rural entrepreneurs are supported with funds for purchasing drones to provide rental services to farmers.

Under SMAM, Rs. 141.39 crores have been released for the promotion of Kisan Drones, facilitating demonstrations on farmers’ fields, procurement of drones by State Governments, and the establishment of Kisan Drone CHCs.

The recently approved Central Sector Scheme, “NAMO DRONE DIDI,” focuses on providing drones to Women Self Help Groups (SHGs) with an outlay of Rs. 1261 Crores. The scheme aims to empower SHGs to provide rental services to farmers for agriculture purposes, promoting advanced technology in agriculture and supporting sustainable business and livelihoods for women SHGs.

Additionally, the National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) has initiated the JIVA program under Watershed & Tribal Development Funds, promoting an agro-ecological approach through chemical-free natural farming in completed projects.

These initiatives underscore the government’s commitment to transforming agriculture through sustainable and technologically advanced practices, benefiting farmers and promoting environmentally friendly agricultural methods. The information was provided by the Union Minister of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare, Shri Arjun Munda, in a written reply in Lok Sabha today.