Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana (PKVY): ₹31,500 Organic Farming Support

Introduction of Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana (PKVY): A Brief Insight

Continuous use of chemical fertilisers and pesticides can increase cultivation costs and affect soil health. However, shifting to organic farming is not easy for farmers. The soil needs time to recover, farmers must adopt new inputs and practices, and buyers often ask for organic certification. The Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana (PKVY) helps farmers manage this transition through collective efforts.

The Government of India launched PKVY in 2015, and the scheme has been operational since 2015-16. It initially operated under the National Mission for Sustainable Agriculture and now functions as a component of the Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana.

The Department of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, under the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, implements the scheme through State and Union Territory Governments. Regional Councils play an important role in enrolling farmer groups and guiding them through the organic certification process.

PKVY aims to promote organic farming by bringing farmers together into groups and clusters. It encourages practices that improve soil health, reduce dependence on chemical inputs and support the production of chemical-free food. The scheme also helps farmers connect with buyers and explore better marketing opportunities.

Under PKVY, eligible farmers receive financial assistance of ₹31,500 per hectare over three years. The government allocates ₹15,000 for organic inputs, ₹4,500 for marketing and branding, ₹3,000 for certification and residue analysis, and ₹9,000 for training and capacity building.

The scheme supports different organic certification systems according to the target market. Farmers can obtain PGS-India certification for domestic sales and NPOP certification for exports. They can also use the Jaivik Kheti portal to explore direct sales to consumers. Its natural farming component, Bhartiya Prakritik Krishi Padhati, provides assistance of ₹12,200 per hectare.

Farmers and eligible institutions holding up to 2 hectares of land can participate, subject to the scheme’s conditions. The scheme operates in States and Union Territories outside the North Eastern region. Farmers generally form groups covering around 20 hectares, while larger clusters cover approximately 500 to 1,000 hectares. The scheme gives preference to small and marginal farmers.

Farmers do not apply directly to the Ministry as individuals. They join a farmer group and approach the Regional Council responsible for their area. The Council collects the applications, prepares an Annual Action Plan and submits it to the Ministry. After approval, funds move from the Centre to the State Government, then to the Regional Council, which transfers the eligible assistance to farmers’ bank accounts.

As of October 2025, PKVY had covered 16.90 lakh hectares through 52,289 clusters, involving around 25.30 lakh farmers. Farmers seeking further assistance can contact the District Agriculture Officer or write to the Ministry at Krishi Bhawan, New Delhi, through secy-agri@gov.in.

Farmers looking for income support can also explore the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi Yojana. Those seeking protection against crop losses can read about the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana, while farmers who need credit for agricultural expenses can learn about the Kisan Credit Card Scheme.

Farmers, farmer groups and readers interested in agriculture, organic farming and rural livelihood support can explore more programmes on our Central Government Welfare Schemes page.

Benefits Provided to Eligible Beneficiaries

Shifting from chemical-based cultivation to organic farming requires time and investment. Farmers need to adopt new practices, arrange organic inputs, obtain certification and find suitable markets for their produce. The Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana (PKVY) supports this transition through financial assistance, training and market-related facilities over a three-year period.

Financial Assistance Per Hectare

• Financial assistance of ₹31,500 per hectare over three years for farmers participating in organic farming clusters
• ₹15,000 per hectare transferred directly to farmers through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) to purchase organic inputs for on-farm and off-farm use
• ₹4,500 per hectare for marketing, packaging, branding and value addition
• ₹3,000 per hectare for organic certification and residue analysis
• ₹9,000 per hectare for farmer training and capacity building

Support from Cultivation to Marketing

• End-to-end assistance covering organic production, processing, certification and marketing
• Support to develop a supply chain for organic produce within the cluster
• Assistance with branding and connecting farmers with potential buyers, including through digital platforms
• Access to the Jaivik Kheti portal, which allows farmers to showcase and sell their organic products directly to consumers
• Opportunities to reach specialised markets and obtain better prices for certified organic produce

Organic Certification Facilities

• PGS-India certification: Supports domestic sales through a peer-review system in which participating farmers assess one another’s farming practices
• NPOP certification: Provides third-party certification for farmers and groups targeting export markets, subject to applicable standards
• Large Area Certification (LAC): Helps eligible regions where chemical farming has not been practised obtain organic certification in a shorter period, potentially reducing the usual 2–3-year conversion period to a few months

Training and Benefits of Group Farming

• Training on organic cultivation methods and cluster management
• Lower cultivation and certification-related costs through shared resources and group activities
• Common organic farming standards across the cluster to maintain consistency in production
• Promotion of healthier soil and reduced dependence on synthetic chemical fertilisers and pesticides
• Opportunities for farmer groups to strengthen their operations and develop into Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs)

Natural Farming Support under the Scheme

• The sub-scheme Bhartiya Prakritik Krishi Padhati (BPKP) promotes natural farming methods that avoid synthetic chemical inputs
• It operates through clusters covering 500 hectares and provides assistance of ₹12,200 per hectare over three years
• ₹2,000 per hectare is transferred directly to farmers through DBT, while ₹2,700 per hectare supports PGS-India certification and residue analysis
• The remaining assistance covers cluster formation, farmer training and regular support through trained personnel

Progress and Achievements of PKVY

• 16.90 lakh hectares brought under the scheme since 2015-16, as of October 2025
• 52,289 clusters formed, covering 25.30 lakh farmers
• ₹2,265.86 crore released between 2015 and 2025
• By December 2024, the Jaivik Kheti portal had registered 6.23 lakh farmers, 19,016 local groups and 8,676 buyers

Eligibility Conditions Required to be Fulfilled

The Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana (PKVY) supports farmers who want to shift from chemical-based cultivation to organic farming. The scheme follows a group-based approach, under which farmers adopt organic practices collectively through clusters. Before joining, farmers should check the following eligibility conditions and regional requirements.

Who Can Join

• Farmers holding up to 2 hectares of land
• Institutions holding up to 2 hectares of land
• Farmers willing to adopt organic farming practices instead of chemical-based cultivation
• Farmers ready to participate in a group and follow the common organic farming standards
• Farmers from States and Union Territories covered under PKVY, excluding the North Eastern States

How the Groups and Clusters Are Formed

• Farmers form groups covering approximately 20 hectares to adopt organic farming collectively
• A larger cluster covers a contiguous area of 500 to 1,000 hectares and generally includes around 500 farmers
• The scheme gives preference to small and marginal farmers while forming clusters
• All members follow common organic farming standards to maintain consistency in cultivation and certification
• Farmers enrol through their respective Regional Council, which includes eligible proposals in the Annual Action Plan

Conditions for Organic Certification

• For domestic markets: The group follows the PGS-India certification system, which involves peer assessment and mutual verification by participating farmers
• For export markets: Farmers or groups can obtain third-party certification under the National Programme for Organic Production (NPOP)
• Farmers must follow the prescribed organic farming practices throughout the three-year implementation period to complete the transition process
• In areas where farmers have not used chemical inputs, Large Area Certification (LAC) can help reduce the conversion period from the usual 2–3 years to a few months, subject to the applicable certification requirements

If You Live in the North East

• The North Eastern States are covered under a separate organic farming initiative rather than PKVY
• Farmers in these States can explore the Mission Organic Value Chain Development for North Eastern Region (MOVCDNER), which provides assistance of ₹46,500 per hectare for three years, as per the cited scheme details

Who Is Not Eligible

• Farmers or institutions holding more than 2 hectares of land, where the stated landholding condition applies
• Farmers who want to participate individually without joining the prescribed group or cluster structure
• Farmers unwilling to adopt and maintain organic farming practices during the prescribed implementation period
• Farmers from the North Eastern States seeking assistance specifically under PKVY, as they are covered through a separate organic farming mission

Documents Required to be Attached

Under the Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana (PKVY), farmers participate through groups and clusters formed under the guidance of Regional Councils. Therefore, the documents may cover individual farmers, their agricultural land and the group as a whole. The Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare has not prescribed one common document list for every farmer. The following records are generally kept ready during enrolment and implementation. Farmers should confirm the exact requirements with their Regional Council or State Agriculture Department.

Papers of the Farmer

• Aadhaar Card of the farmer
• Recent passport-size photograph
• Mobile number registered with Aadhaar, wherever required
• State farmer registration or Farmer ID, if issued
• Caste certificate for SC/ST farmers, if required by the concerned authority

Papers of the Land

• Land ownership record, such as Khasra, Khatauni, 7/12 extract or Record of Rights
• Land details, including survey number, area and village
• Landholding details to establish the applicable limit of up to 2 hectares, wherever required
• Lease document or landowner’s consent, if the farmer cultivates leased land
• Soil test report or Soil Health Card, if available or required by the implementing authority

Bank Details

• Bank passbook showing the account holder’s name, account number and IFSC code
• Cancelled cheque, if required
• Aadhaar-linked bank account details, wherever required for Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT)

Papers of the Group or the Cluster

• List of farmers belonging to the Local Group, along with their land details and cultivated area
• Signed commitment from members to follow organic farming practices and participate in the group’s peer-review process
• Local Group registration details under the PGS-India certification system
• Name and contact details of the group’s lead farmer or coordinator
• Cluster map or plot layout showing the agricultural land covered by the group

Papers for an Institution

• Registration certificate of the Farmer Producer Organisation (FPO), society or participating institution
• List of member farmers with their respective land details, where the institution represents them
• Bank account details of the institution
• Resolution or authorisation confirming the institution’s decision to participate in the scheme

Records to Keep During the Three Years

• Records of organic inputs purchased or prepared on the farm, along with bills or usage details
• Farm diary containing crop details, sowing dates and organic farming practices followed
• Training and participation records of the farmer
• PGS-India or NPOP certification records obtained after completing the prescribed verification process

How Beneficiaries Can Apply to Avail the Benefit of this Scheme

You cannot apply for the Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana (PKVY) by simply filling out an individual form and sending it to the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare. The scheme follows a group-based approach. You first join a group of farmers, and the group approaches the Regional Council responsible for your area. The Council collects the details of participating farmers, prepares an Annual Action Plan and sends it to the Ministry for approval.

Once the government approves the plan, it releases the funds through the State Government and the Regional Council. Eligible farmers receive their share of financial assistance directly in their bank accounts through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT). Follow the steps below to understand the complete process.

Before You Start

Step 1: Check your land records and make sure your landholding meets the scheme’s limit of up to 2 hectares.

Step 2: Check whether your State or Union Territory comes under PKVY. The North Eastern States follow a separate organic farming mission.

Step 3: Make sure you are ready to practise organic farming for the prescribed three-year period instead of using chemical-based farming methods.

Step 4: Keep your Aadhaar card, land records, bank passbook and mobile phone ready. You may need these details during enrolment.

Join or Form a Group

Step 1: Talk to farmers who have fields near your land. Ask whether they are interested in switching to organic farming.

Step 2: Find farmers who are ready to follow organic farming practices and participate in the scheme together.

Step 3: Form a group of farmers covering approximately 20 hectares, or join an existing group in your area.

Step 4: Select one trusted member who can communicate with the authorities, coordinate group activities and maintain the necessary records.

Step 5: Prepare a list containing each member’s name, plot details and land area. Keep the information clear and accurate.

Step 6: Ask your Agriculture Department which larger cluster your group will join. The scheme also works through clusters covering approximately 500 to 1,000 hectares and involving around 500 farmers.

Enrol Through the Regional Council

Step 1: Visit your State Agriculture Department or District Agriculture Officer and ask which Regional Council handles PKVY activities in your area.

Step 2: Contact the Regional Council along with your group members. Tell them that your group wants to participate in PKVY.

Step 3: Submit the required documents and the complete list of farmers in your group. The Council will guide you about any additional records or information needed.

Step 4: Ask the Council about registering your group as a Local Group under PGS-India. This certification system allows farmers to check one another’s fields and farming practices.

Step 5: Visit the official PGS-India portal to learn more about group registration, peer assessment and organic certification.

Step 6: Keep the acknowledgement, receipt or registration details provided by the Regional Council. These records will help you follow up on your group’s enrolment.

What Happens to Your Application

Step 1: The Regional Council collects the details of participating farmers and includes their proposals in an Annual Action Plan.

Step 2: The Council forwards the Annual Action Plan to the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare for consideration and approval.

Step 3: After approval, the Central Government releases the approved funds to the State Government.

Step 4: The State Government transfers the allocated funds to the Regional Councils for implementation.

Step 5: The Regional Council transfers the eligible financial assistance directly to the farmers’ bank accounts through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT). This includes ₹15,000 per hectare for organic inputs.

Step 6: Check your bank passbook or account statement from time to time. If you notice an incorrect account detail or do not receive an expected payment, contact your Regional Council.

Farm the Organic Way for Three Years

Step 1: Start using organic inputs such as compost, vermicompost and bio-fertilisers instead of synthetic chemical fertilisers and pesticides, as required under the scheme.

Step 2: Maintain a simple farm diary. Write down what you grow, which organic inputs you use and when you apply them.

Step 3: Keep bills and receipts for all purchased organic inputs. These records may help during inspections and certification checks.

Step 4: Attend the training sessions organised for your cluster. These sessions will help you understand organic farming methods and the correct way to manage your farm.

Step 5: Stay connected with your group and follow the common organic farming standards. Since certification follows a group-based process, every member must maintain proper farming practices and records.

Get Your Certificate

Step 1: Participate in the peer inspections organised under PGS-India. During these inspections, farmers visit one another’s fields and check whether members follow the required organic farming practices.

Step 2: Show your farm diary and other records whenever the inspecting members ask for them. Explain which crops you grow and which inputs you use.

Step 3: Once your group completes the required checks and meets the certification conditions, it can obtain the PGS-India certificate for selling organic produce in the domestic market.

Step 4: If you plan to sell your produce in international markets, contact the Regional Council to understand the requirements for third-party certification under the National Programme for Organic Production (NPOP).

Step 5: If your village falls in a tribal belt or an area where farmers have not used chemical inputs, ask the Regional Council whether Large Area Certification (LAC) is available for your area.

Sell Your Produce

Step 1: Prepare your organic produce for sale. Take help from your cluster for suitable packaging, branding and value addition, wherever available.

Step 2: Visit the Jaivik Kheti portal to explore its online marketplace, where registered farmers can showcase and sell their organic products directly to consumers.

Step 3: Contact your farmer group and Regional Council to find buyers, local markets and other opportunities to sell your certified organic produce.

If You Need Help

Step 1: Contact the District Agriculture Officer in your district for information about PKVY enrolment and the Regional Council responsible for your area.

Step 2: Approach your Regional Council for guidance on group registration, required documents, financial assistance and organic certification.

Important: Do not pay any unauthorised person who promises to arrange your enrolment, secure a place in a farmer group or provide an organic certificate. Always deal with the concerned Agriculture Department and authorised Regional Council, and ask for an official receipt whenever you submit documents or make a permitted payment.

Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana: Earlier Assistance and Present Assistance

Some websites still mention financial assistance of ₹50,000 per hectare under the Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana (PKVY). This figure relates to the earlier assistance structure. The Ministry’s more recent releases mention a revised amount of ₹31,500 per hectare over three years.

The table below compares the earlier figures mentioned in parliamentary replies with the assistance structure reported in the Ministry’s present releases. This comparison will help farmers understand the difference and avoid relying on outdated benefit details.

Important: The earlier and present figures come from different official releases and parliamentary replies. Before estimating your expected assistance, contact your Regional Council or State Agriculture Department and confirm the applicable financial assistance structure for your area and approved cluster.

Important Links Available of the Scheme

• PKVY FAQs: Scheme guidelines, cluster-based farming, organic certification and implementation process
• PKVY Financial Assistance: Details of ₹31,500 per hectare for three years
• Organic Farming Progress: PKVY clusters, area covered and implementation details
• Lok Sabha Reply on Organic Farming and PKVY: Financial assistance and scheme details
• PGS-India Portal: Organic certification and registration of farmer groups
• Jaivik Kheti Portal: Online marketplace for organic farmers and buyers
• Natural Farming Portal: Information on natural farming initiatives
• Department of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare: Official website of the Ministry
• Ministry Contact Details: Contact information for the Directorate of Economics and Statistics

Contact Details in Case of Help Needed

• Ministry: Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Government of India, Krishi Bhawan, Dr. Rajendra Prasad Road, New Delhi – 110001
• Phone: 011-23382651, the office of the Secretary of the Department of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare
• Email: secy-agri@gov.in
• Organic Farming Centre: Director, National Centre of Organic and Natural Farming, Sector 19, Hapur Road, Kamla Nehru Nagar, Ghaziabad – 201002, Uttar Pradesh
• Centre Phone: 0120-2764906, 0120-2764212
• Centre Email: nbdc@nic.in
• State Level: The Agriculture Department or the Horticulture Department of your State, which sends the plan under the scheme
• District Level: The District Agriculture Officer of your district, who can tell you about the Regional Council and the groups of your area
• Regional Council: The Regional Council that looks after your area, which enrols the farmers and guides them through the certificate

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Tabassum

Tabassum is a government schemes researcher and writer with 5 years of experience tracking Central and State welfare scheme programmes across India. She has covered 500+ schemes spanning agriculture, women welfare, education, and housing, helping lakhs of beneficiaries understand their entitlements in simple language.