What Is PM-PRANAM Yojana?
The Yojana stands for Programme for Restoration, Awareness, Nourishment and Amelioration of Mother Earth (PRANAM). The scheme is to incentivise States and Union Territories to promote alternative fertilisers and balanced use of chemical fertilisers. This scheme seeks to reduce the use of chemical fertilisers in the states.
The scheme will not have a separate budget and will be financed by the “savings of existing fertiliser subsidy” under schemes run by the Department of fertilisers, The Indian Express reported citing sources
50% subsidy savings will be given as a grant to the state that saves the money. Out of the total grant given to the state under the scheme, 70% can be used for asset creation related to the technological adoption of alternative fertilisers and alternative fertiliser production units at village, block, and district levels. , as reported by The Indian Express.
The remaining 30% can be utilised for incentivising farmers, panchayats, farmer-producer organisations, and self-help groups that are involved in the reduction of fertiliser use and awareness generation.
Features of PM PRANAM Scheme
- The scheme will be financed by the “savings of existing fertiliser subsidy” under the schemes run by the Department of Fertilisers scheme and will not have a separate budget.
- 50% subsidy savings will be given as a grant to the state that saves money.
- States can use 70% of the grant given under the scheme for asset creation related to alternate fertiliser production and technological adoption of alternate fertiliser units at the block, village and district levels.
- States can use the remaining 30% of the grant money to incentivise panchayats, farmer producer organisations, farmers and self-help groups involved in awareness generation and reducing fertiliser use.
- The government would compare a state’s reduction or increase in urea in a particular year to its average consumption of urea during the last three years.
- The data on a Fertiliser Ministry dashboard, IFMS (Integrated fertilisers Management System), would be used to collect the state’s urea consumption data.
Benefits of PM PRANAM Scheme
- The scheme explicitly aims to promote the reduced use of chemical fertilisers.
- It would promote using other nutrients and fertilisers, including natural nutrients.
- Reduced use of chemical fertilisers may improve soil quality in the long run. It will enhance the yield and productivity of Indian agriculture.
- Excessive exposure to chemical fertilisers affects human health through cancers and diseases caused due to DNA damage. It would promote a safe work environment.
- Environmental pollution due to chemical fertilisers can pollute water bodies, leading to algal bloom and affecting aquatic life. This scheme would prevent environmental damage.
