UPSC DAW 07th October 2025 Mains Answer Writing - 2026
Question
Role of paramparagat krishi vikas yojana in nurturing organic farming in India.
(or)
"Organic farming is not merely a technique but a transition towards ecological and farmer-centric agriculture." In this context, discuss the contribution of the Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana in reshaping India’s agricultural paradigm. [250 Words,15 Marks]
Model Answer
Paper
GS III
Subject
Agriculture and Environment.
Topic
Major crops and cropping pattern.
Sustainable development.
Syllabus As Per Notification
Major crops cropping patterns in various parts of the country, different types of irrigation and irrigation systems storage, transport and marketing of agricultural produce and issues and related constraints; e-technology in the aid of farmers.
Conservation, environmental pollution and degradation, environmental impact assessment.
Approach:
Introduction
Begin by defining organic farming as a holistic, sustainable alternative to input-intensive agriculture.
Body
Explain what is organic farming and its status in Inida.
Explain PKVY’s objectives, components, achievements, and its role in ecological & farmer-centric transformation.
Conclusion
Conclude by emphasizing PKVY’s potential in mainstreaming sustainable, climate-resilient, and inclusive agriculture in India.
Introduction
Indian agriculture, rooted in traditional wisdom, faces challenges from input-intensive farming affecting soil, water, and food safety. To restore ecological balance and boost farmers’ incomes, the Government launched the Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana (PKVY) in 2015. Today, it stands as the cornerstone of India’s organic farming movement, promoting eco-friendly practices, certification, and market linkages for resilient agriculture.
Body
What is Organic farming?
Organic farming is a sustainable agriculture system that excludes synthetic inputs like chemical fertilizers and pesticides.
It relies on natural resources like crop residues, farmyard manure, and compost to maintain soil health and manage pests and diseases.
Organic farming in India
India ranks at 4th place in terms of certified area globally as per the report published by International Federation of Organic Agriculture Movements (IFOAM) Statistics 2022.
Madhya Pradesh has the largest area under organic certification.
Sikkim is India’s first fully organic state.
India ranks first globally in terms of number of farmers practicing organic farming.
The exports of India’s organic products stood at $708 million in 2022-23.
Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana (PKVY)
The schemes stress on end-to-end support to farmers engaged in organic farming i.e. from production to processing, certification and marketing and post-harvest management.
The objective of the PKVY is to advance a scalable model of eco-agriculture that integrates low-cost, chemical-free techniques with farmer-led collectives, enhancing food safety, income generation, and environmental sustainability.
Cluster Model: Farmers are mobilised in groups of 20 hectares to collectively adopt organic practices, ensuring uniform standards and cost-effectiveness.
Under the scheme farmers adopting organic farming practices are being assisted with ₹31,500 per hectare for a three-year period.
The Scheme envisages:
Promotion of commercial organic production through certified organic farming.
The produce will be pesticide residue free and will contribute to improve the health of consumer.
It will raise farmer’s income and create potential market for traders.
It will motivate the farmers for natural resource mobilization for input production.
A major barrier for organic farmers in the past was the absence of credible certification. PKVY addressed this through two distinct systems: Key Takeaways
As on 30.01.2025, ₹2,265.86 crore released under PKVY (2015–25).
₹205.46 crore released for PKVY under RKVY in FY 2024–25.
Around 15 lakh hectares under organic farming; 52,289 clusters formed; 25.30 lakh farmers benefitted (as of Feb 2025).
By Dec 2024, 6.23 lakh farmers, 19,016 local groups, 89 input suppliers, and 8,676 buyers registered on Jaivik Kheti portal.
Conclusion
In essence, PKVY showcases how blending traditional wisdom with modern systems and digital tools can drive eco-friendly, low-cost, and resilient farming—enhancing rural incomes, promoting food safety, conserving the environment, and advancing the vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat through sustainable agricultural transformation.