Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana

Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana is a central government scheme that helps farmers move to organic farming without relying on chemical inputs. As of August 2026, the scheme is still going for farmers across the country, and eligible producers can join organic farming clusters to get financial support, free certification and better market access for their produce.

The scheme has already brought roughly 15 lakh hectares under organic farming, with more than 52,000 clusters formed and over 25 lakh farmers helped so far. Farmers receive about ₹50,000 per hectare over a three year period to cover the cost of organic inputs, certification, training, packaging and marketing.

Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana - Introduction

Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana is an important part of the Soil Health Management programme under the National Mission on Sustainable Agriculture. The scheme promotes organic farming to improve soil health, cut input costs and support long term farming sustainability across the country.

The scheme uses the Participatory Guarantee System for India, a local and trust based certification process where producers and consumers verify quality together instead of depending on third party auditors. The central and state governments share the funding duty, and the scheme sets a target of bringing about 6 lakh hectares under organic cultivation. For farmers producing for foreign markets, the scheme also offers third party certification under the National Programme for Organic Production (NPOP).

By giving priority to eco friendly and low cost methods, the scheme helps farmers grow safer food while spending less on inputs. It works through farmer clusters of around 20 hectares each, so members can manage production, value addition and certification as a single group. Funds from the regional councils now reach farmers directly through the DBT payment system. The funding split between the centre and the states is given in the table below:

Key Information

Benefits

Farmers who join a cluster under this scheme get a range of advantages that make organic farming more profitable and less risky:

• Financial help of about ₹50,000 per hectare over three years for organic inputs, certification, residue testing, packaging, branding and training.
• Free certification through PGS-India, which builds trust in the produce and opens higher price markets for small farmers.
• Direct access to buyers through the Jaivik Kheti portal, where farmers can sell organic produce to consumers and local groups without middlemen.
• Shared resources and stronger bargaining power by working in farmer clusters, which lowers total input costs.
• Improved soil fertility and healthier, chemical-free crops, leading to better net returns per hectare over time.

Eligibility

All farmers and institutions with land up to about 2 hectares can join the scheme. There is no complex restriction, and the programme gives preference to small and marginal farmers so that the support reaches the people who need it most. Farmers join together into local groups, and a cluster of around 20 hectares is formed to adopt organic farming as one unit.

Exclusions

The scheme is broadly open and does not leave out many farmers. Although it focuses on smaller land holdings, larger farmers should confirm their land status with the local regional council to see how the support applies to their farm size.

Application Process

Since the scheme is community driven, participation happens through clusters rather than individual online forms. Here is how a farmer can get involved:

STEP 1 - Contact the local Regional Council office and express interest in joining an organic farming cluster or forming a new one.

STEP 2 - Share the required details with the council, which gathers all cluster applications and prepares a single Annual Action Plan for the area.

STEP 3 - Wait for the council to send the plan to the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare for approval.

STEP 4 - Once the centre approves the plan and releases funds, the amounts move to the state and then to the regional councils, which pass on the support to farmers directly through DBT payment into their bank accounts.

Documents

To join a cluster smoothly, farmers should keep the following papers ready before approaching the council:

• Aadhaar card for identity proof.
• Land ownership documents that are verified and up to date.
• Caste certificate for farmers belonging to SC, ST or OBC categories.
• Active phone number and updated bank account details for receiving DBT payments.
• Passport size photographs for the records.
• A detailed project report or production plan if the cluster head asks for one.

Requirements can differ slightly by state or project type, so it is always better to check with the local agriculture officer before applying.

References

For the latest official details, see the PIB FAQ on Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana and the PGS-India official website. Farmers can also register on the Jaivik Kheti portal to buy and sell organic produce directly.

FAQ's

What are the primary benefits offered by Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana?

The scheme helps farmers switch to organic farming, improves soil quality, gives free certification and creates direct market access through farmer managed clusters and the Jaivik Kheti portal.

Are the financial benefits transferred directly to my bank account?

Yes. Support is now paid through the DBT system. The amount moves from the centre to the state, then to the regional council, which sends it straight into the farmer's bank account.

Does this scheme help in finding larger markets for my produce?

Yes. The scheme builds direct links with local and national buyers and offers an online Jaivik Kheti platform where farmers can sell organic produce directly to consumers and local groups.

Are there strict eligibility criteria to join?

No. The scheme is quite open, and most farmers or institutions with up to about 2 hectares of land interested in organic farming can join through their regional cluster group.

Can I apply for this scheme individually online?

No. Joining happens through the regional council and a farmer cluster, not as an individual online application. The council collects member details and prepares the plan for the whole group.