The Centre is introducing the PM-PRANAM scheme to encourage states to cut down on the use of fertilisers and promote healthy alternatives. Since the government also protects farmers against high global prices of fertilisers through subsidies, the proposal will likely reduce the burden on the exchequer.

• The Centre will soon introduce its Pradhan Mantri-Promotion of Alternate Nutrients for Agriculture Management Yojana (PM-PRANAM) to encourage states to cut down on their use of fertilisers.
• The government under the proposed scheme will reduce the subsidy on chemical fertilisers which is expected to increase to Rs 2.25 lakh crore in 2022-2023 – a 39 per cent hike compared to the previous year’s Rs 1.62 lakh crore.