Context: As per International resource data from Research Institute of Organic Agriculture (FiBL) and the International Federation of Organic Agriculture Movements (IFOAM) Statistics 2020, India stands at 9th position in terms of certified agricultural land with 1.94 million ha(2018-19).
Background

• Cultivable land area under organic farming has more than doubled from 11.83 lakh ha in 2014 to 29.17 lakh ha in 2020 due to the focused efforts of the Government. 
• Over the years, the organic promotion activities led to development of State specific organic brands, increased domestic supply and exports of organic produce from NER. 
• Taking cue from the success of the organic initiatives, a target of 20 lakh ha additional area coverage by 2024 is envisaged in the vision document. 
• Awareness programmes, availability of adequate post- harvest infrastructure, marketing facilities, premium price for the organic produce etc., would certainly motivate farmers towards organic farming thereby increasing organic coverage in the country.

The schemes under which assistance is provided by the GOI for promoting organic farming in India are:

• Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana (PKVY): It is a traditional farming improvement programme launched in 2015. Know more in the linked article.

Mission Organic Value Chain Development for North Eastern Region (MOVCDNER)

• The scheme promotes 3rd party certified organic farming of niche crops of the northeast region through Farmers Producer organizations (FPOs) with a focus on exports.
• Farmers are given an assistance of Rs 25000/ha/3 years for organic inputs including organic manure and biofertilisers, etc.
• Support for the formation of FPOs, capacity building, post-harvest infrastructure up to Rs 2 crores are also provided in the scheme.

Capital Investment Subsidy Scheme (CISS) under Soil Health Management Scheme

• 100% assistance is provided to State Government/Government agencies for setting up of mechanized fruit/vegetable market waste/Agro waste compost production unit up to a maximum limit of Rs.190.00 Lakh/unit (3000 Total Per Annum TPA capacity).
• Similarly, for individuals/private agencies, assistance up to 33% of the cost limit to Rs 63 lakh/unit as capital investment is provided.

National Mission on Oilseeds and Oil Palm (NMOOP): This scheme supports plantation, maintenance and intercropping with Tree Borne Oilseeds (TBOs) e.g. olive, neem, karanja, mahua, etc. Subsidised biofertilisers are provided under the scheme.

National Food Security Mission (NFSM): Under this scheme, financial help is given for biofertilisers, thereby boosting organic farming. 

Additional Information

• China is in the third position with 3.14 million ha and the US is in the seventh position with 2.02 million ha of certified agricultural land.

Also Read: https://abhipedia.abhimanu.com/Article/IAS/MjA0MzMw/Status-of-Organic-farming-in-India-Geography-IAS