Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana (PKVY)

Introduction 

Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana (PKVY) is an agriculture scheme by the Government of India. It promotes organic farming to improve soil health and cut input costs. The scheme was launched in 2015 under the National Mission on Sustainable Agriculture. It helps farmers, self-help groups, FPOs and entrepreneurs to form organic clusters of around 20 hectares. Clusters receive financial assistance to cover on-farm and off-farm inputs, certification and marketing. States and Union Territories share funding with the Centre in agreed ratios. Benefits include richer soil, chemical-free produce and new market access. Eligibility covers small and marginal farmers who pledge to follow organic practices. Applicants can seek help at their State agriculture office or apply online on the official scheme portal. PKVY uses a Participatory Guarantee System to certify produce based on local inspections. The support runs over three years, matching the typical conversion period to organic. Clear application guidelines list the required documents, subsidy details and quality standards. The scheme operates in all states of India and adapts to local crops and climates. It supports rural livelihoods.

Overview of the Scheme

Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana (PKVY) was launched in 2015 by the Department of Agriculture, Cooperation & Farmers Welfare under the Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare, Government of India. It is a sub‐component of the Soil Health Management scheme under the National Mission for Sustainable Agriculture. The scheme promotes organic farming through clusters of about 20 hectares to boost soil fertility and cut chemical use.

PKVY is implemented by the Department of Agriculture, Cooperation & Farmers Welfare at the Centre and by State Agriculture Departments in all States and Union Territories. Quality assurance follows the Participatory Guarantee System under the PGS-India programme, where farmers inspect and certify each other’s fields.

Under the NMSA funding pattern, PKVY shares costs between the Central and State governments in a 60:40 ratio for general states, 90:10 for North‐Eastern and Himalayan states, and 100% Central funding for Union Territories. Farmers receive up to ₹50,000 per hectare over three years, with about 62% of this amount as a direct incentive for organic inputs.

Key components covered under PKVY include:

• On-farm and off-farm organic inputs (bio-fertilisers, compost)
• Certification support under PGS-India and NPOP
• Value addition, marketing and publicity assistance
• Training, capacity building and three-year handholding support

PKVY remains an ongoing scheme with revised guidelines issued in May 2018. To date, it has helped convert nearly 59.74 lakh hectares to organic farming, opening new markets and premium prices for farmers.

Objectives 

The Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana (PKVY) objectives define the core goals and purpose of this agriculture scheme in simple, action-oriented terms:

• Promote natural resource–based, integrated, and climate-resilient organic farming systems to maintain and increase soil fertility, recycle on-farm nutrients, and reduce farmers’ dependence on external inputs.
• Reduce cultivation costs and boost farmers’ net income per hectare through sustainable organic practices.
• Produce chemical-free and nutritious food sustainably for human consumption.
• Protect the environment by adopting eco-friendly, low-cost traditional techniques and farmer-friendly technologies.
• Empower farmers by forming clusters and groups equipped to manage production, processing, value addition, and quality certification.
• Enable farmers to become entrepreneurs through direct market linkages with local and national buyers.

Together, these PKVY objectives guide the scheme’s efforts to strengthen rural livelihoods, conserve resources, and expand organic farming across India.

Key Features  

The Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana (PKVY) offers farmers a mix of financial grants, technical aid and market support to switch to organic farming in a sustainable way. The main features and benefits under the scheme are:

• Subsidy on organic inputs 

Farmers receive ₹31,000 per hectare over three years for buying or producing bio-fertilisers, compost and other on-farm/off-farm organic inputs (62% of the total assistance).

• Grant for value addition and marketing 

Up to ₹4,500 per hectare over three years helps cover costs for cleaning, grading, packaging and selling organic produce (Example: A cluster using ₹1,500 per year to buy eco-friendly packaging).

• Certification and training assistance 

A total of ₹3,000 per hectare over three years reimburses PGS-India or NPOP certification fees and basic training programmes on organic methods.

• Handholding and capacity building 

Farmers get ₹7,500 per hectare over three years for workshops, expert visits and field demonstrations to guide them through the conversion period.

• Cluster-based support 

Groups of farmers form local “organic clusters” to pool land, inputs and knowledge, simplifying management and ensuring peer-to-peer quality checks.

• Participatory Guarantee System (PGS) 

Under PGS-India, farmers inspect and certify each other’s fields in place of costly third-party audits, keeping certification local and affordable.

• Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) 

All subsidies are paid straight into the farmer’s bank account, ensuring fast, transparent access to funds for organic inputs and services.

• Marketing event support 

State agencies organise buyer-seller meets, organic fairs and exhibitions to connect cluster members with traders and retailers for better prices.

• Three-year support cycle 

The scheme’s benefits span three full crop-conversion years, matching the time needed for land to stabilise under organic practices.

• Nationwide coverage 

PKVY runs in every State and Union Territory, with special provisions for North-Eastern and Himalayan regions under a 90:10 central-state funding split and 100% central funding for UTs.

Together, these features make PKVY a comprehensive grant-and-assistance programme that reduces costs, builds skills and opens new markets for organic farmers across India.

Eligibility Criteria 

The Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana (PKVY) eligibility criteria set out who can apply, why each requirement exists and what documents are needed. This helps ensure that genuine farmers and farmer-groups get the right support to go organic.

Farmers 

• Who can apply: Individual small or marginal farmers who own or lease land in an organic cluster (about 20 ha). This ensures they have enough land to benefit from shared inputs and training. 
• Why it matters: Clustering reduces costs and builds peer support. 
• Documents: AADHAAR card; land records or lease agreement; active bank passbook; passport-size photo.

Self-Help Groups (SHGs) 

• Who can apply: Registered SHGs under NRLM or state SHG schemes with at least 10 active farmer-members and a bank-linked account. 
• Why it matters: SHGs pool resources, making it easier to buy inputs and share knowledge. 
• Documents: SHG registration certificate; minutes of last meeting; bank passbook copy; list of members.

Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs) 

• Who can apply: FPOs registered under Cooperatives/Companies Act with minimum 10 farmer-members and evidence of ongoing operations. 
• Why it matters: FPOs can handle certification, value addition and marketing at scale. 
• Documents: FPO registration certificate; memorandum of association; member list; bank passbook.

Entrepreneurs / MSMEs 

• Who can apply: Agri-entrepreneurs, startups or MSMEs properly registered (UDYAM/GST) offering services like organic input production, processing or marketing. 
• Why it matters: Reliable partners help clusters with value-addition infrastructure. 
• Documents: UDYAM or MSME certificate; GST registration; project report or DPR; quotations for proposed equipment or services.

Special Categories 

• Priority is given to women, SC/ST and North-Eastern/Himalayan farmers under higher central-state funding shares (90:10 or 100% in UTs), helping disadvantaged groups access organic subsidies.

Not Eligible 

• Individual farmers outside a recognized cluster or without clear land proof; activities unrelated to organic production (e.g., purely export trading) do not qualify for PKVY grants.

These clear eligibility rules and document checks ensure that PKVY benefits reach genuine applicants who can transform their land and livelihoods through certified organic farming.

Application Process

To apply for Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana (PKVY), you can use the online portal or submit your proposal at the local agriculture office. Follow these steps in order to complete your application smoothly and get timely assistance.

• Visit the PKVY portal 

Go to MyScheme portal: https://www.myscheme.gov.in/schemes/pkvy and click “Apply Online” under Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana (PKVY).

• Register or log in 

• Select “New User Registration” and enter your Aadhaar number, mobile number and OTP to create a login. 
• If you already have an account, click “Login” and enter your username and password.

• Fill out the application form 

Complete each section:

• Beneficiary details (name, category, address)
• Cluster or land details (survey numbers, total area)
• Component selection (organic inputs, certification, training)
• Bank information (account number, IFSC code)

• Upload required documents 

Attach clear scans of:

• Aadhaar card
• Land record or lease agreement
• Bank passbook first page
• Group registration certificate (for SHGs/FPOs)
• Project proposal or DPR (for entrepreneurs/MSMEs)

• Check fees and declarations 

There is no application fee for PKVY. Read and accept the declaration before submitting.

• Submit and note your 

Application ID Click “Submit” and save the SMS or email acknowledgment containing your unique application number.

• Verification and field inspection 

A State Agriculture Department officer or Krishi Vigyan Kendra representative will visit your cluster to verify land and farmer details.

• Approval and fund release 

Once approved by the State Nodal Agency, assistance is released via Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) to your bank account in three installments over three years.

• Offline application route 

If you prefer paper:

• Obtain the PKVY form from your District Agriculture Office, ATMA or Block Development Office.
• Fill in the same details, attach the documents listed above and submit at the counter.
• Collect a stamped receipt with your application reference number.

• Helpline and support 

• National Farmers’ Helpline: 1551 (toll-free) 
• Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare: 011-23381013 
• Email for scheme queries: secretariatah2-mafw@gov.in

Tips to avoid delays:

• Ensure your name, bank account and Aadhaar details match exactly.
• Upload legible, complete documents—blurred scans can cause rejection.
• Don’t miss the application window; note state-level deadlines.
• Keep a copy of your acknowledgement message or receipt until funds arrive.

Challenges 

The Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana (PKVY) brings solid support for organic farming, but applicants often face a few real-world challenges. Here are common limitations and simple solutions to keep your cluster on track:

• Delay in verification → Keep land records, Aadhaar and bank details updated and share clear copies with your State Nodal Agency. This helps inspectors complete field checks faster.
• Narrow seasonal window → Note the state’s announcement calendar for Kharif and Rabi applications. Submit your form well before the deadline to avoid waiting another year.
• Document mismatches → Match names and numbers exactly across Aadhaar, land deeds and bank passbooks. Double-check scans for legibility to prevent rejection at upload.
• Limited training slots → Sign up early for PKVY workshops at your local Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK) or ATMA office. If in-person seats fill up, ask for online or recorded sessions.
• Certification hold-ups under PGS-India → Appoint a dedicated cluster coordinator to follow up with the PGS-India agency and schedule joint farm inspections in advance.
• Weak market linkages → Connect with your State Agriculture Department’s marketing wing or join buyer–seller meets to secure off-take agreements before harvest.
• Fund-release delays → Track your DBT status on the MyScheme portal and follow up via the national helpline (1551) or state nodal email to clear any payment holds.
• Cluster management hiccups → Hold regular meetings, record minutes and rotate leadership roles so every member stays informed and engaged throughout the three-year support cycle.

By spotting these challenges early and using these practical workarounds, PKVY clusters can stay compliant, access funds on time and reap the full benefits of India’s flagship organic farming scheme.

Government Support & Future Outlook 

Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana (PKVY) is designed not in isolation but as part of a larger web of central programmes aimed at boosting farm incomes, risk cover and infrastructure support. By linking PKVY with other missions, farmers and FPOs can unlock multiple benefits from the same plot of land or the same producer group.

Convergence with PM-KISAN 

Farmers under PKVY clusters who meet land-holding criteria also get ₹6,000 per year from PM-KISAN in three equal installments. This extra cash eases the transition period to organic practices without waiting for harvest.

Linkage to PMFBY (Crop Insurance) 

Organic clusters can enroll in the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana to insure their crops against weather shocks, pest attacks or disease. Together, PKVY grants and crop cover secure both revenue and yield.

Support through ATMA and RKVY 

State ATMA (Agriculture Technology Management Agency) centres guide PKVY farmers on cluster formation, training and market linkages, often funded via Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana allocations for local extension and demonstration.

Value-addition tie-in with PMFME 

Farmer groups graduating from PKVY clusters can tap the PM Formalisation of Micro Food Processing Enterprises scheme for small-scale processing units, packaging lines or storage infrastructure, raising both product quality and margins.

Using Custom Hiring Centers (CHCs) 

Machinery rental centres set up under RKVY or state schemes provide low-cost access to compost spreaders, seed drills or threshers—equipment critical for efficient organic practices.

Future Plans and Updates 

The Ministry updated PKVY guidelines in May 2018, and in 2020–21 launched a Large Area Certification (LAC) programme under PKVY to fast-track organic conversion in traditional organic belts. On the road ahead, the scheme is set to dovetail with National Mission for Sustainable Agriculture’s climate-smart projects, extending coverage to tribal, hill and island regions under special funding patterns.

By weaving PKVY together with PM-KISAN, PMFBY, ATMA, RKVY and PMFME, the government aims to create a one-stop support ecosystem—from cash assistance and risk cover to training, certification and market access—so that farmers and producer organisations can scale up organic farming with confidence and clear pathways to value addition.

Conclusion 

Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana (PKVY) matters because it helps restore soil health, lower input costs and open new markets for chemical-free produce. Small and marginal farmers, SHGs, FPOs and agri-entrepreneurs benefit most from its direct incentives, technical support and certification assistance over three years. To take the first step, check your eligibility on the MyScheme portal (https://www.myscheme.gov.in/schemes/pkvy) or visit your nearest District Agriculture Office, gather your Aadhaar, land records and bank details, and apply online. Remember to verify the latest benefit rates, deadlines and required documents on the official PKVY portal or helpline before submitting your form. By preparing your application thoroughly, you can unlock scheme benefits and contribute to sustainable farming in your area. Explore detailed resources on this scheme and the full suite of programmes at ALL ABOUT AGRICULTURE. For one-on-one assistance, call us at +91 8484002620.