PM-PRANAM 2.0 Launched to Promote Organic Farming
The government has launched the second phase of PM-PRANAM to further reduce chemical fertilizer usage and incentivize states for organic alternatives.
2-Minute Summary (TL;DR)
- PM-PRANAM 2.0 aims to reduce chemical fertilizer consumption and promote organic farming.
- States reducing chemical fertilizer usage will receive 50% of subsidy savings as grants.
- The grants are to be used for promoting alternative fertilizers and awareness campaigns.
- The scheme seeks to improve soil health and reduce the government's subsidy burden.
- PM-PRANAM 2.0 builds on the objectives of the original PM-PRANAM initiative.
- Key organic inputs promoted include bio-fertilizers like Azotobacter, PSB, and KMB.
- The initiative aligns with India's climate goals and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
How This Topic is Tested in Competitive Exams
| Exam | Frequency | Approx. Marks | What Gets Asked |
|---|---|---|---|
| SSC (CGL / CHSL / MTS) | Very High | 5–8 | Government schemes are one of the most tested topics in SSC CGL and CHSL GK sections. |
| Banking (IBPS / SBI) | High | 4–6 | Financial inclusion schemes, Jan Dhan, PMSBY, and credit guarantee schemes are key banking exam topics. |
| UPSC / State PCS | High | 8–12 | UPSC tests implementation, target beneficiaries, and outcomes — not just scheme names. |
| State PCS / PSC | Very High | 6–10 | Both central and state schemes are tested extensively in state PCS papers. |
Key Facts to Remember: PM-PRANAM 2.0 Launched to Promote Organic Farming
- PM-PRANAM 2.0 aims to reduce chemical fertilizer consumption and promote organic farming.
- States reducing chemical fertilizer usage will receive 50% of subsidy savings as grants.
- The grants are to be used for promoting alternative fertilizers and awareness campaigns.
- The scheme seeks to improve soil health and reduce the government's subsidy burden.
- PM-PRANAM 2.0 builds on the objectives of the original PM-PRANAM initiative.
- Key organic inputs promoted include bio-fertilizers like Azotobacter, PSB, and KMB.
- The initiative aligns with India's climate goals and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Practice Questions
Q1. What is the primary objective of PM-PRANAM 2.0?
- To increase the production of chemical fertilizers.
- To reduce the consumption of chemical fertilizers and promote organic farming.
- To provide direct income support to all farmers.
- To subsidize the import of fertilizers.
Explanation: PM-PRANAM 2.0, which stands for Programme for Restoration, Awareness, Nourishment and Amelioration of Mother Earth, focuses on reducing the reliance on chemical fertilizers and encouraging the adoption of organic and bio-fertilizer alternatives.
Q2. Under PM-PRANAM 2.0, what percentage of subsidy savings will be provided to states that reduce chemical fertilizer consumption?
- 25%
- 75%
- 50%
- 100%
Explanation: The scheme incentivizes states and Union Territories by providing them with 50% of the subsidy savings achieved through the reduction in chemical fertilizer consumption. This grant is intended for further investment in sustainable agriculture.
Q3. The financial grants received by states under PM-PRANAM 2.0 can be utilized for:
- Purchasing new tractors and farm machinery.
- Creating assets related to alternative fertilizer technology and awareness generation.
- Providing direct cash transfers to farmers.
- Building new national highways.
Explanation: The grants are specifically earmarked for developing infrastructure for alternative fertilizer technologies and for conducting awareness campaigns at the village level about organic farming practices. This ensures the funds directly contribute to the scheme's objectives.
Q4. Which of the following is NOT a type of bio-fertilizer promoted under PM-PRANAM 2.0?
- Azotobacter
- Phosphate Solubilizing Bacteria (PSB)
- Potash Mobilizing Bacteria (KMB)
- Urea
Explanation: Azotobacter, PSB, and KMB are all types of bio-fertilizers that PM-PRANAM 2.0 aims to promote. Urea, on the other hand, is a chemical fertilizer whose consumption the scheme seeks to reduce.
Q5. What is a significant long-term impact expected from PM-PRANAM 2.0?
- Increased import of chemical fertilizers.
- Further degradation of soil quality.
- Reduced fiscal burden on the government and improved soil health.
- Higher dependence on foreign agricultural technology.
Explanation: By reducing chemical fertilizer use and promoting organic alternatives, the scheme is expected to improve soil health and fertility over the long term. It will also lead to substantial savings in government fertilizer subsidies, thereby reducing the fiscal burden.
How to Prepare Government Schemes for Government Exams — PM-PRANAM 2.0 Launched to Promote Organic Farming
Create a scheme log: Name | Ministry | Target | Key Feature. Add every new scheme as it appears. Review this weekly.
Focus on 'Flagship' schemes: PM-KISAN, PMAY, Ayushman Bharat, PM SVANidhi. These generate the most questions.
For UPSC, understand the policy objective behind the scheme — income support, housing, health insurance. The 'why' matters more than the name.
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