Daily Current Affairs : 29-June-2023
The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) recently approved the PM-PRANAM scheme, a significant initiative mentioned in the Budget 2023-24. The Prime Minister’s Programme for Restoration, Awareness, Generation, Nourishment, and Amelioration of Mother Earth (PM-PRANAM) aims to promote sustainable agriculture through the use of nutrient-based biofertilizers. With a total outlay of ₹3,70,128.7 crore, this scheme focuses on saving soil, encouraging balanced fertilizer usage, and involving state governments to achieve its objectives.
Promoting Sustainable Agriculture:
The PM-PRANAM scheme lays emphasis on saving the soil and promoting sustainable and balanced fertilizer usage. It recognizes the need to reduce the excessive dependence on chemical fertilizers that have adverse effects on the environment and long-term soil productivity. To achieve this, the scheme encourages the adoption of nutrient-based biofertilizers, which are more environmentally friendly and help maintain soil fertility.
Incentivizing States:
The central government aims to incentivize states to adopt alternative fertilizers by offering subsidies that were previously allocated for chemical fertilizers. This approach encourages states to transition to sustainable agricultural practices and reduces the financial burden on farmers. The PM-PRANAM scheme aims to strike a balance between supporting farmers’ income and ensuring environmental sustainability.
Boosting Farmer’s Income:
The PM-PRANAM scheme includes a comprehensive range of initiatives designed to enhance farmer’s income. By strengthening natural and organic farming practices, the scheme enables farmers to tap into emerging markets that value organic produce. This, in turn, improves the market value of their products and contributes to overall economic growth.
Rejuvenating Soil Productivity:
Recognizing the critical role of healthy soil in ensuring agricultural productivity, the PM-PRANAM scheme focuses on rejuvenating soil health. It promotes the use of biofertilizers, such as fermented organic manures (FOM), liquid FOM, and phosphate-rich organic manures (PROM), derived from bio-gas plants and compressed biogas (CBG) plants. By utilizing the by-products of these plants under the Gobardhan initiative, the scheme effectively recycles organic waste into valuable resources for agriculture.
Ensuring Food Security:
One of the primary goals of the PM-PRANAM scheme is to ensure food security for the nation. By encouraging sustainable agricultural practices, the scheme contributes to the production of healthy and abundant food. The availability of organic fertilizers at affordable prices, branded as Bharat Brand FOM, LFOM, and PROM, empowers farmers to adopt sustainable practices without compromising their economic well-being.
Continuation of Urea Subsidy:
The CCEA has also approved the continuation of the urea subsidy scheme. This decision ensures that urea, a vital fertilizer for farmers, remains consistently available at an affordable price of ₹242 per 45 kg bag. The accessibility and affordability of urea are crucial for farmers to maintain crop productivity and support their livelihoods.
Future Prospects:
The PM-PRANAM scheme anticipates significant growth in the use of nano urea, a modern innovation in the agricultural sector. With eight nano urea plants set to be commissioned by 2025-26, the scheme demonstrates the government’s commitment to fostering sustainable and advanced farming techniques.
Market Development Assistance for Organic Fertilizers:
To further promote organic fertilizers, the scheme has allocated separate funds for Market Development Assistance (MDA). This initiative aims to increase awareness and encourage the adoption of organic fertilizers derived from Gobardhan plants. By creating a market for these fertilizers, farmers can access reliable sources of organic nutrients while contributing to sustainable waste management practices.
Important Points:
- The PM-PRANAM scheme aims to promote sustainable agriculture through the use of nutrient-based biofertilizers.
- The scheme has a total outlay of ₹3,70,128.7 crore.
- It focuses on saving soil and encouraging balanced fertilizer usage.
- The scheme incentivizes states to adopt alternative fertilizers by offering subsidies saved from reducing chemical fertilizer usage.
- PM-PRANAM includes various initiatives to boost farmers’ income, strengthen natural/organic farming, and ensure food security.
- The urea subsidy scheme will continue, ensuring consistent availability of urea at an affordable price of ₹242 per 45 kg bag.
- The use of nano urea is expected to increase, with eight nano urea plants planned by 2025-26.
- Market Development Assistance (MDA) funds have been allocated to promote organic fertilizers derived from Gobardhan plants.
- Fermented Organic Manures (FOM), Liquid FOM, and Phosphate Rich Organic Manures (PROM) from bio-gas plants/CBG plants will be promoted.
- Organic fertilizers will be branded as Bharat Brand FOM, LFOM, and PROM, providing affordable options for farmers.
Why In News
The Government has recently given its seal of approval to the PM-PRANAM Scheme, an initiative aimed at providing financial support and healthcare benefits to retired citizens. The scheme is expected to bring much-needed relief to elderly individuals by ensuring their well-being and enhancing their quality of life during their golden years.
MCQs about PM-PRANAM Scheme
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What is the objective of the PM-PRANAM scheme?
A. Promote the use of chemical fertilizers
B. Ensure constant availability of urea to farmers
C. Encourage sustainable agriculture and balanced fertilizer usage
D. Increase farmer’s income through market development assistance
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What is the significance of the urea subsidy scheme within the PM-PRANAM scheme?
A. It promotes the use of alternative fertilizers
B. It ensures constant availability of urea to farmers at an affordable price
C. It encourages the adoption of organic farming practices
D. It supports the branding and marketing of organic fertilizers
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What will be promoted under the Gobardhan initiative within the PM-PRANAM scheme?
A. Chemical fertilizers
B. Nano urea production
C. Market development assistance for organic fertilizers
D. Use of bio-gas plants for electricity generation
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What is the primary focus of the PM-PRANAM scheme?
A. Increasing agricultural productivity
B. Ensuring food security
C. Reducing the use of chemical fertilizers
D. Boosting farmer’s income
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