PM-PRANAM
Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) in its meeting held on 28.06.2023 approved PM_PRANAM scheme. The term PM-PRANAM stands for the PM Program for Restoration, Awareness Generation, Nourishment, and Amelioration of Mother Earth. This is a unique step towards taking care of mother earth like our own mother and keep it healthy. This way, mother earth will ensure bounty in return. It is only possible with our collective efforts starting from village level.
This ground-breaking program to incentivize States that actively contribute towards balanced use of chemical fertilizers is launched by Government of India. The plan entails granting 50% of the saved fertilizer subsidy, resulting from decreased chemical fertilizer usage compared to the previous three-year average, to the respective State or Union Territory. This innovative approach aims to encourage regions to take concrete steps towards sustainable agriculture and environmental preservation.
The primary goal of the PM-PRANAM is to address a pressing issue – the excessive use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides in agriculture. In pursuit of higher production, there is an excess use of fertilizers and pesticides that is making the mother earth sick and reducing its production capacity. It is well known fact that excess chemical use can cause serious ailments like cancer etc.
There is a need to adopt soil test based balanced use of fertilizers by integrating bio/ organic fertilizers into agriculture for nutrition security of soil. Alongside, should also adopt organic/ natural farming practices, resource conservation technologies like integrated farming systems, micro irrigation, mulching, no tillage, crop rotation etc. into the farming practices. This shift towards sustainable agricultural practices will enhance soil fertility, reduce environmental pollution, and bolster long-term agricultural productivity.
The calculation of the fertilizer subsidy savings will be based on data entered into the Integrated Fertilizer Management System (iFMS) portal during a financial year, coupled with the subsidy rates of the assessment year. The increased adoption of organic and alternative fertilizers and the expansion of organic farming practices will also be taken into account. In cases where adjoining districts in other States experience an increase in fertilizer consumption, deductions from savings will be applied. Moreover, in instances of natural calamities like droughts or floods leading to decreased fertilizer usage, the Government of India will decide the appropriate subsidy allocation for the affected State.
The Department of Expenditure will oversee the disbursement of grants through its existing schemes. Out of the total grant, 95% will be allocated to the respective State, with 65% of this amount earmarked for capital expenditure projects. The remaining 30% will be untied funds that States can utilize for Information, Education, and Communication (IEC) activities aimed at promoting soil health and the use of alternative fertilizers. The Government of India will manage the remaining 5% of the grant, channeling it towards monitoring, IEC initiatives, research, capacity building, and recognition programs.
The proposed budget for this initiative will be sourced from the existing fertilizer subsidy schemes, thereby fostering a self-sustaining cycle. Considering an estimated yearly increase in fertilizer consumption (CAGR 1.5%) over the next three years, the projected savings in fertilizer consumption over the same period is approximately 45.78 LMT. These savings are expected to translate into a financial gain of around Rs. 19,450 crores due to reduced fertilizer consumption, contributing to both environmental preservation and economic efficiency.
The health of our mother earth is to be ensured for sustainable agriculture and food availability for future generations. Efforts in this direction will be adequately incentivized that can be used for infrastructure development, health, education etc. in respective areas.
It is hoped that all will adopt these steps for the benefit of their village, their children, agriculture land and the future generations.
