PM-PRANAM

  • The PM-PRANAM scheme (Programme for Restoration, Awareness, Nourishment and Amelioration of Mother Earth) has reported a reduction of 15.14 lakh tonnes of synthetic fertilizers in FY 2023–24.
  • This has led to substantial savings in fertilizer subsidies, reflecting its early success.
  • Karnataka alone contributed to 30% of the total savings, followed by Maharashtra, West Bengal, and Andhra Pradesh, which together accounted for 58% of the remaining savings.

What is PM-PRANAM Scheme?

  • Launched: June 2023.
  • Objective: To reduce the use of chemical fertilizers by incentivizing states to promote organic and alternative fertilizers.
  • Duration: Operational for 3 years – FY 2023–24 to FY 2025–26.
  • Goal: Target to reduce ₹20,000 crore in chemical fertilizer subsidies.

Key Features:

  • Promotes balanced use of fertilizers by combining biofertilizers, organic, and natural farming practices.
  • No separate budget: Funded through savings from existing fertilizer subsidies.
  • Monitored via the Integrated Fertilizers Management System (iFMS).

How PM-PRANAM Supports Sustainable Agriculture

1. Reduction in Chemical Fertilizer Dependency

  • Limits excessive use of synthetic fertilizers like:
    • Urea, DAP, NPK, MOP.
  • Reduces risks of:
    • Soil degradation
    • Groundwater contamination
    • Biodiversity loss
  • Fertilizer reduction is measured against a three-year average consumption baseline per state.

2. Incentive-Based Model

  • 50% of subsidy savings are returned to states:
    • 70% of this must be invested in infrastructure for alternative fertilizer technologies.
    • 30% is used to reward farmers, panchayats, and other stakeholders for their contribution.

3. Boost to Organic and Natural Farming

  • Supports production and use of:
    • Compost, vermicompost, bio-slurry, cow dung-based fertilizers, etc.
  • Enhances soil fertility, reduces chemical residue, and supports climate-resilient agriculture.

4. Environmental and Economic Benefits

  • Improves soil health, conserves water, and reduces ecological damage caused by fertilizer overuse.
  • Minimizes external subsidy burden and encourages self-sufficiency at the state level.
  • Helps address issues tied to electricity and irrigation subsidies, particularly excessive groundwater extraction.

Impact So Far

  • 14 lakh tonnes reduction in chemical fertilizer usage (FY 2023–24).
  • Karnataka: 30% of total savings.
  • Remaining 58% majorly from Maharashtra, West Bengal, and Andhra Pradesh.
  • Marks the initial success of a decentralized, performance-based approach to fertilizer management.

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