Cabinet approves PM-PRANAM scheme to promote alternative fertilizers
Union Fertilizer Minister Mansukh Mandaviya approved the PM- PRANAM (PM Program for Restoration, Awareness, Creation, Nurturing, and Improvement of Earth) scheme on 28 June 2023.
The Central Government has approved encouraging States to promote alternative fertilizers and reduce the use of chemical fertilizers. Also decided to continue the existing urea subsidy scheme till March 2025 with an outlay of Rs 3.68 lakh crore.
The CCEA also decided to introduce sulfur-coated urea (Urea Gold) for the first time in the country to address the sulfur deficiency in the soil.
Additionally, the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA), chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, approved an outlay of Rs 1,451 crore subsidy for the promotion of organic manure. This took the total package to over Rs 3.70 lakh crore.
PM-Pranam Scheme
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced the implementation of the PM Pranam scheme in the budget for 2023-24 presented on February 1. This initiative will increase farmers' income, strengthen natural/organic farming, rejuvenate soil productivity and ensure food security.
Under the scheme, a subsidy of Rs 1,500 per tonne will be provided for marketing the Fermented Organic Manure (FOM)/Liquid FOM/Phosphate Enriched Organic Manure produced by the Biogas (CBG) plant under the Gobardhan initiative.
