Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana (PKVY) - Meaning, Guidelines, Benefit and Subsidy 2026

Launched in 2015, the Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana (PKVY) is a transformative initiative by the Government of India aimed at promoting organic farming practices. Organic farming has gained significant relevance in recent years due to the rising costs of chemical inputs, degradation of soil health, and increasing consumer demand for sustainable agricultural products. PKVY addresses these challenges by encouraging farmers to adopt traditional, eco-friendly farming techniques that improve soil fertility and ensure long-term agricultural sustainability.

The scheme is a cornerstone of the Soil Health Management (SHM) program under the National Mission on Sustainable Agriculture (NMSA). It targets farmers, Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs), NGOs, and agri-entrepreneurs, providing them with financial assistance, training, and market linkages to transition to organic farming. This article explores PKVY’s meaning, objectives, benefits, eligibility, funding, and application process, offering a comprehensive guide for stakeholders.

The latest updates highlight significant progress under the Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana (PKVY), reinforcing the government’s focus on promoting organic farming in India. As per recent official updates, more than 21 lakh hectares of land have been brought under organic farming through PKVY and related initiatives, showing strong nationwide adoption. The scheme continues to support farmers with financial assistance of around 31,000 per hectare for three years to encourage the use of organic inputs and sustainable practices. 

In addition, the government is actively promoting alternative fertilizers and reducing dependency on chemical inputs, aligning PKVY with broader sustainability goals. The scheme’s cluster-based approach and digital platforms like the Jaivik Kheti portal are improving market access and transparency for farmers. Overall, PKVY is evolving as a key driver of eco-friendly agriculture, helping improve soil health, farmer income, and long-term agricultural sustainability in India.

Meaning of PKVY in Simple Terms

The Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana (PKVY) is a government scheme designed to promote organic farming through a cluster-based approach. It encourages farmers to adopt traditional agricultural practices that are environmentally sustainable and economically viable. By focusing on organic farming methods, PKVY aims to reduce reliance on chemical fertilizers and pesticides, thereby improving soil health and ensuring healthier crop yields.

Under the scheme, farmers are grouped into clusters, each covering 20 hectares of land, to collectively transition to organic farming. This collaborative model not only simplifies resource allocation but also enhances the scalability of organic practices.

Launch Year and Nodal Ministry

PKVY was launched in 2015 by the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare. It operates as part of the National Mission on Sustainable Agriculture (NMSA), which focuses on holistic agricultural development. The scheme aligns with India’s broader goals of reducing environmental impact and promoting sustainable farming practices.

The introduction of PKVY was driven by several critical agricultural challenges:

• Soil degradation: Excessive use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides has led to a decline in soil fertility, affecting crop productivity.
• High input costs: Farmers face rising costs for chemical inputs, which reduce their profit margins.
• Environmental concerns: Conventional farming practices contribute to water pollution, soil erosion, and greenhouse gas emissions.
• Consumer demand: Growing awareness of health and environmental issues has increased demand for organic produce.
• Farmer income: Organic farming offers higher returns by creating market opportunities for certified organic products.

PKVY addresses these issues by promoting organic farming as a sustainable, cost-effective, and environmentally friendly alternative.

Environmental and Soil Health Objectives

PKVY aims to improve soil fertility by reducing the use of chemical inputs and encouraging organic practices. The scheme focuses on:

• Enhancing microbial activity in soil for better nutrient absorption.
• Promoting crop rotation and intercropping to maintain soil health.
• Minimizing environmental pollution caused by chemical runoff.

By adopting organic methods, farmers can achieve sustainable agricultural productivity while preserving the ecosystem.

Farmer Income and Market-Oriented Objectives

PKVY supports farmers in increasing their income by providing financial assistance and market linkages for organic produce. Key objectives include:

• Developing certification systems like the Participatory Guarantee System (PGS) to ensure product authenticity.
• Facilitating access to domestic and international markets for organic products.
• Encouraging value-added processing to enhance profitability.

These measures empower farmers to achieve economic stability while contributing to sustainable agriculture.

The guidelines of the Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana (PKVY) are designed to promote organic farming through a well-structured and farmer-friendly approach. A key aspect is the cluster-based model, where farmers form groups covering about 20 hectares and adopt organic practices collectively. This approach improves efficiency, reduces input costs, and ensures consistency in production.

Another important feature is the Participatory Guarantee System (PGS), a cost-effective certification method that enables farmers to label their produce as organic without relying on expensive third-party agencies. The scheme also provides financial assistance for three years, supporting farmers with organic inputs, training, certification, and marketing activities during the transition period.

PKVY guidelines strongly emphasise capacity building and awareness, ensuring farmers receive proper training in organic techniques, soil health management, and sustainable agriculture practices. Additionally, the scheme supports value addition, branding, and market linkages, helping farmers secure better prices for their produce. Overall, the guidelines aim to create a sustainable ecosystem that enhances soil fertility, reduces chemical dependency, and improves farmers’ income through organic farming.

Cluster-Based Organic Farming Model

PKVY adopts a cluster-based approach where groups of farmers collectively transition to organic farming. Each cluster covers 20 hectares of land, ensuring efficient use of resources and scalability. This model enables farmers to share knowledge, reduce costs, and achieve certification for their produce.

PGS Certification Support

The Participatory Guarantee System (PGS) is a key feature of PKVY, offering a simplified certification process for organic products. PGS involves peer reviews and group-based assessments, making certification affordable and accessible for small-scale farmers.

End-to-End Support for Organic Practices

PKVY provides comprehensive support to farmers, including:

• Financial assistance for organic inputs like bio-fertilizers and seeds.
• On-field training programs to educate farmers on organic techniques.
• Technical guidance to ensure adherence to organic standards.

Benefits for Farmers

PKVY offers significant advantages for farmers, such as:

• Reduced input costs by eliminating chemical fertilizers and pesticides.
• Improved soil health and crop yields through organic practices.

• Increased income through market linkages and certification support.

  
  

Environmental and Social Benefits

The scheme contributes to broader environmental and social goals:

• Preserving biodiversity by promoting eco-friendly farming methods.
• Reducing pollution and conserving natural resources.
• Encouraging community participation in sustainable agriculture.

Who Can Apply Under PKVY

Eligible applicants include:

• Individual farmers practicing organic farming.
• Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs) managing certified clusters.

• NGOs and local bodies involved in agricultural development.

  
  

Land and Crop Eligibility Conditions

To qualify for PKVY, farmers must meet specific land-use and crop eligibility criteria, including:

• Ownership or lease of land for organic farming.
• Cultivation of crops suitable for organic certification.

Formation of Farmer Clusters

Farmers are organized into clusters of 20 hectares to collectively adopt organic farming standards. This structure facilitates resource sharing and simplifies certification processes.

Training, Input Support, and Certification

PKVY equips farmers with the knowledge and resources needed for organic farming, including training programs, financial assistance, and PGS certification.

Monitoring and Quality Control

The scheme implements robust monitoring systems to ensure consistent adherence to organic standards, enhancing the credibility of certified products.

Financial Assistance Provided per Hectare

Farmers receive financial support ranging from Rs. 11,000 to Rs. 22,000 per hectare, depending on the type of organic practices adopted.

Central and State Government Contribution

PKVY funding is shared between the central and state governments, ensuring adequate resources for implementation.

Role of State Governments and Agencies

State governments play a crucial role in executing PKVY by coordinating farmer clusters, providing training, and monitoring progress.

Role of NGOs, FPOs, and Local Bodies

NGOs, FPOs, and local bodies contribute to farmer outreach, capacity building, and certification processes, ensuring effective implementation.

Farmers need to submit the following documents for PKVY application:

• Proof of land ownership or lease agreement.
• Identity proof such as Aadhaar card or voter ID.
• Certification documents for organic practices.

Offline Application Through Agriculture Department

Farmers can visit their local agriculture office to submit applications and receive guidance on the process.

Online Application Through Government Portals

Applicants can also apply online through dedicated government portals by following a step-by-step procedure.

PKVY faces challenges such as limited awareness among farmers and logistical issues in certification. Practical solutions include:

• Increasing outreach programs to educate farmers.
• Simplifying certification processes to improve accessibility.

The Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana (PKVY) is a pivotal initiative for promoting sustainable agriculture in India. By encouraging organic farming practices, the scheme benefits farmers, the environment, and the agricultural economy. Eligible individuals and groups should explore the opportunities offered by PKVY to contribute to a healthier, more sustainable future.

Home loans in different cities

Home loans designed for different professionals

Home loans for different budgets

Popular calculators for your financial calculations