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Source: The post is based on the article “Unique package for farmers announced” published in PIB on 28th June 2023
What is the News?
The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) has approved a unique package of innovative schemes for farmers with a total outlay of more than Rs.3.70 lakh crore.
About the package of innovative schemes
The schemes focused on the overall well-being and economic betterment of farmers by promoting sustainable agriculture. The initiatives will boost farmers’ income, strengthen natural/organic farming, rejuvenate soil productivity, and ensure food security.
What are the salient features of the package of innovative schemes?
Market Development Assistance (MDA) for promoting Organic Fertilizers from Gobardhan Plants: The scheme is to support the marketing of organic fertilizers. Such as Fermented Organic Manures (FOM)/Liquid FOM/Phosphate Rich Organic Manures (PROM) produced as a by-product of Biogas Plants/Compressed Biogas (CBG) Plants set up under the umbrella GOBARdhan initiative.
These organic fertilizers would be branded in the names of Bharat Brand FOM, LFOM and PROM.
This initiative will also facilitate the implementation of establishing 500 new waste-to-wealth plants under GOBARdhan scheme for promoting a circular economy, by increasing the viability of these BG/CBG plants. Parali and organic manure from Gobardhan plants to be used to enrich the soil and keep the environment safe and clean.
Introduction of Sulphur coated Urea (Urea Gold): The package announced the introduction of Sulphur coated Urea (Urea Gold) in the country for the first time. It is more economical and efficient than the currently used Neem coated urea.
The scheme aims to address the sulphur deficiency of soil and save input costs for the farmers. It will also save input costs for the farmers and also raise incomes for farmers with enhanced production & productivity.
Strengthened the Nano Urea eco-system: By 2025-26, eight Nano urea plants with a production capacity of 44 Crore bottles equaling to 195 LMT of conventional urea will be commissioned.
India to become Atmanirbhar in Urea by 2025-26: The scheme will revive 6 urea production units in India. These along with Nano Urea Plants will reduce India’s current import dependency in urea and finally make us self-sufficient by 2025- 26.
What are the benefits of a package of innovative schemes?
The schemes will a) help in the judicious use of chemical fertilizers, thereby reducing input cost of cultivation for the farmers, b) promote natural/ organic farming, innovative and alternate fertilizers like Nano Fertilizers, Thereby restoring the fertility of our Mother Earth, and c) improve soil health, increase nutrient efficiency and safe environment due to reduction in soil and water pollution.
