The Government of India is accelerating its efforts to promote environmentally responsible agriculture through the PM Programme for Restoration, Awareness Generation, Nourishment and Amelioration of Mother Earth (PM-PRANAM). The initiative is designed to reduce excessive dependence on chemical fertilizers while encouraging balanced nutrient management, organic farming practices, and long-term soil conservation across the country.
Introduced after approval by the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs in June 2023, the program encourages states and union territories to lower the use of conventional fertilizers, including urea, Di-Ammonium Phosphate (DAP), NPK, and Muriate of Potash (MOP). Instead, the government is promoting the adoption of alternative fertilizers, resource-efficient technologies, and sustainable farming methods that improve soil quality without compromising agricultural productivity.
A key feature of PM-PRANAM is its performance-based incentive system. States that successfully reduce chemical fertilizer consumption compared with the average usage recorded over the previous three financial years become eligible for financial rewards. They can receive incentives equal to 50% of the savings generated from reduced fertilizer subsidies, encouraging local governments to adopt environmentally friendly agricultural policies while supporting farmers in transitioning toward more balanced nutrient application.
The initiative is being reinforced through several complementary programs that focus on organic and natural farming. Under the Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana (PKVY), the government has released approximately $379.91 million, helping expand organic cultivation across more than 1.89 million hectares while benefiting over 3.36 million farmers. The Mission Organic Value Chain Development for North Eastern Region (MOVCDNER) has received around $209.27 million, supporting organic farming across roughly 236,000 hectares and assisting approximately 274,000 farmers.
Meanwhile, the National Mission on Natural Farming has been allocated nearly $335.27 million to encourage wider adoption of natural farming practices. During fiscal year 2026, the program established more than 18,800 farming clusters covering over 1.03 million hectares and benefiting approximately 2.09 million farmers.
The government’s broader strategy also includes precision nutrient management technologies developed by the Indian Council of Agricultural Research. These innovations are intended to optimize fertilizer use, improve soil fertility, reduce environmental impact, and increase crop productivity. Together, PM-PRANAM and related initiatives represent India’s continued commitment to building a more resilient, resource-efficient, and sustainable agricultural sector while supporting farmers and protecting natural ecosystems for future generations.
