Why in News?
The PM-PRANAM scheme, launched to reduce synthetic fertilizer usage, has recorded an initial reduction of 15.14 lakh tonnes of fertilizers in 2023–24, leading to significant subsidy savings. Karnataka alone contributed 30% of these savings, with Maharashtra, West Bengal, and Andhra Pradesh together adding 58% more.
Key Concepts
| Term | Meaning |
|---|---|
| PM-PRANAM | Programme for Restoration, Awareness, Nourishment, and Amelioration of Mother Earth |
| Chemical Fertilizers | Synthetic fertilizers like urea, DAP, NPK, and MOP |
| Biofertilizers | Natural alternatives to chemical fertilizers enhancing soil health |
| iFMS | Integrated Fertilisers Management System for tracking fertilizer use |
| Subsidy Savings | Reduction in government expenditure due to lower fertilizer use |
| Resource Conservation Technologies | Technologies promoting efficient and alternative fertilizer usage |
| Organic Farming | Agricultural practice avoiding synthetic inputs, promoting natural soil fertility |
Simplified Overview
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Objective | Reduce chemical fertilizer use to save ₹20,000 crore subsidy over 3 years (2023-26) |
| Implementation | Incentivizes states to reduce fertilizer use; subsidies partly shared with states and farmers |
| Duration | 3 years (FY 2023-24 to FY 2025-26) |
| Tracking | Fertilizer use monitored via iFMS platform |
| Financials | Savings from fertilizer subsidy budget used to fund scheme |
| Environmental Benefits | Reduces soil degradation, water contamination, biodiversity loss |
| Support for Farmers | Rewards farmers and stakeholders involved in reduction and awareness |
In a Nutshell (Memory Code: “P.R.A.N.A.M.”)
- P – Programme to reduce synthetic fertilizers
- R – Rewards to states and farmers
- A – Adoption of alternative fertilizers
- N – Natural farming promotion
- A – Amelioration of soil and environment
- M – Monitoring via iFMS platform
Prelims MCQs
- The PM-PRANAM scheme primarily aims to:
a) Increase fertilizer production
b) Reduce synthetic fertilizer use
c) Promote genetically modified crops
d) Subsidize chemical fertilizers - Which platform is used to track fertilizer use under the PM-PRANAM scheme?
a) eNAM
b) iFMS
c) Soil Health Card
d) AGRISNET - What percentage of subsidy savings is allocated to resource conservation technologies under PM-PRANAM?
a) 30%
b) 50%
c) 70%
d) 90%
Mains Questions
- Discuss the significance of the PM-PRANAM scheme in promoting sustainable agriculture and reducing environmental hazards in India.
- How does the PM-PRANAM scheme incentivize states and farmers to reduce chemical fertilizer use? Illustrate with examples.
Prelims Answers & Explanation
| Q.No | Answer | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | b | PM-PRANAM focuses on reducing synthetic fertilizer use to promote sustainable agriculture. |
| 2 | b | iFMS (Integrated Fertilisers Management System) is the platform for tracking fertilizer use. |
| 3 | c | 70% of subsidy savings are allocated for resource conservation technologies under PM-PRANAM. |
