“The Uttar Pradesh government has launched a transformative organic farming scheme to boost sustainable agriculture, enhance farmer incomes, and promote eco-friendly practices. With financial incentives, certification support, and market linkages, the initiative targets 1 lakh acres for organic farming, empowering farmers and aligning with India’s green goals.”
Uttar Pradesh Unveils Ambitious Organic Farming Initiative
In a significant push for sustainable agriculture, the Uttar Pradesh government has rolled out a comprehensive organic farming scheme aimed at transforming the state’s agricultural landscape. Announced in June 2025, the initiative seeks to expand organic farming across 1 lakh acres, building on earlier efforts to promote eco-friendly practices along the Ganga basin. The scheme integrates financial incentives, certification support, and robust market linkages to empower farmers and boost their incomes.
The state’s Agriculture Department has allocated substantial funds to support farmers transitioning to organic methods. Under the scheme, farmers receive interest-free loans of up to ₹1 lakh, particularly targeting small and marginal farmers, as well as women growers. This financial aid is designed to offset the initial costs of adopting organic practices, such as procuring natural inputs and obtaining certifications. The initiative also includes training programs led by Community Resource Persons (CRPs) and Block Resource Persons (BRPs) to educate farmers on organic techniques, integrated farming, and soil health management.
A key component of the scheme is the establishment of an organic certification body in Uttar Pradesh, building on the state’s earlier success with 700 organic farming clusters involving 21,142 farmers across 35,000 acres in 11 districts along the Ganga. This certification body aims to streamline the process of verifying organic produce, making it easier for farmers to access premium markets both domestically and internationally. The government has also partnered with Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs) to enhance market access, ensuring farmers can sell their organic produce at competitive prices.
The scheme aligns with national programs like the Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana (PKVY), which has already brought 14.99 lakh hectares under organic farming nationwide since 2015. In Uttar Pradesh, the focus is on scaling up organic farming zones, particularly in districts like Koppal, where workshops and training sessions have been conducted under the National Natural Farming Campaign. Experts have lauded the initiative for its potential to reduce reliance on chemical fertilizers and pesticides, which not only harm soil health but also pose risks to human health and the environment.
The state government is also leveraging technology to support this transition. Drones and precision agriculture tools, inspired by global trends, are being introduced to enhance efficiency in organic farming. Additionally, the scheme promotes integrated organic farming, combining crop cultivation with allied sectors like horticulture, sericulture, and animal husbandry to create sustainable and profitable farming models. Plans are underway to expand horticulture to 1.5 lakh hectares, further boosting farmer incomes.
Market linkages are a cornerstone of the initiative. The government has signed Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) with agri-firms to facilitate the export of organic produce to countries like the UAE, Qatar, and the UK. This builds on the success of Odisha’s Balabhadra Jaivik Chasa Mission, which has connected organic farmers to global markets. In Uttar Pradesh, the focus is on promoting traditional varieties, such as indigenous aromatic paddy, to cater to growing global demand for organic products.
The scheme has evoked mixed reactions. While agriculture experts praise the government’s emphasis on sustainability, some farmers have expressed concerns about the adequacy of financial support and the need for more robust infrastructure to support organic farming. Nonetheless, the initiative is seen as a step toward long-term resilience in agriculture, aligning with India’s broader goals of reducing chemical use and promoting sustainable practices under schemes like PM-PRANAM.
Disclaimer: This article is based on recent news reports, government announcements, and expert insights available on the web and posts on X. Information is sourced from credible outlets like The Hindu, Moneycontrol, and Kolkata24x7, but readers are advised to verify details with official government sources for accuracy.