Parliament Question: Implementation and Impact of PM‑PRANAM Scheme

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF CHEMICALS AND FERTILIZERS DEPARTMENT OF FERTILIZERS LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 2104 TO BE ANSWERED ON: 12.12.2025 Implementation and Impact of PM‑PRANAM Scheme 2104. Dr. Byreddy Shabari: Will the Minister of CHEMICALS AND FERTILIZERS be pleased to state: (a) the list of States and Union Territories participating in the PM‑PRANAM scheme, year-wise since its inception and the reduction in chemical fertiliser consumption achieved, State/UT-wise and Year-wise; (b) the total savings in fertiliser subsidy generated under the said scheme indicating, the share of savings released to each State/UT and the manner in which these funds have been utilised for infrastructure, alternative fertilisers and farmer incentives; (c) the quantity and types of alternative fertilisers (bio-fertilisers, nano-fertilisers, organic fertilisers) produced, distributed or promoted under the said scheme, State/UT-wise; (d) the steps taken to monitor and evaluate the impact of the scheme on soil health fertiliser consumption patterns, crop productivity and environmental sustainability; and (e) whether the Government proposes to expand the scheme or introduce additional measures to encourage adoption of alternative fertilisers and sustainable agricultural practices across the country, if so, the details thereof, States and UT- wise? ANSWER MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF CHEMICALS AND FERTILIZERS (SMT. ANUPRIYA PATEL) (a) to (c) The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA), on June 28, 2023, approved the “PM Programme for Restoration, Awareness Generation, Nourishment, and Amelioration of Mother-Earth (PM-PRANAM). The initiative aims to support the mass movement initiated by States and Union Territories (UTs) to preserve the health of Mother Earth through the promotion of sustainable and balanced fertilizer use, adoption of alternative fertilizers, promotion of organic farming, and implementation of resource conservation technologies. All States/UTs are covered under the PM-PRANAM scheme. Under the PM- PRANAM scheme, there is a provision to provide incentives to States/UTs for reduction of consumption of chemical fertilizers (Urea, DAP, NPK, MOP) in a given financial year, compared to the average consumption over the previous three years, equivalent to 50% of the fertilizer subsidy saved. Of the total grant, 95% will be allocated to the State, while the-2- remaining 5% will be utilized by the Government of India towards disaster-adjusted incentives. Out of the 95% grant provided to the States, 65% is for capital expenditure (capex) projects, preferably as contributions to Centrally Sponsored Schemes, and 30% is untied for other activities, including Information, Education, and Communication (IEC) initiatives. (d) Government is promoting balanced and judicious fertilizer use through the Soil Health & Fertility Scheme, implemented since 2014-15 to issue Soil Health Cards (SHCs) to all farmers. Soil samples are analysed for major and micronutrients, and SHCs are issued once every three years. Department of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare (DA&FW) has further informed that 25.61 crore SHCs have been distributed so far, supported by a network of 8302 soil testing labs and 1020 school mini labs across the country. A total of ₹1970 crore has been released under the scheme, along with extensive outreach activities including 93,781 farmer trainings, 6.80 lakh demonstrations, and 7425 farmer melas/campaigns. (e) The Government is implementing several initiatives to promote balanced nutrient management, bio-fertilisers, and micro-nutrient-enriched formulations across the country. These efforts aim to improve soil health, enhance nutrient-use efficiency, and reduce the adverse impacts of imbalanced fertiliser application. To promote balanced nutrient management, multiple measures have been introduced. The Soil Health Card (SHC) Scheme provides farmers with soil test–based information on 12 essential parameters, enabling crop-specific recommendations for nutrients and micronutrients. This encourages judicious and balanced fertiliser use while discouraging excessive application of chemicals such as nitrogen. The Government is also strengthening Integrated Nutrient Management (INM) by promoting the combined use of organic carbon enhancer and inorganic nutrient sources in line with the “3Rs” principle to optimise nutrient efficiency. Additionally, quality control measures under the Fertiliser Control Order (FCO) 1985 ensure the availability of reliable and certified biofertilisers and organic fertilisers, supporting improved soil fertility. The introduction of Neem-Coated Urea (NCU) has further enhanced nitrogen-use efficiency by slowing its release, thereby reducing losses through volatilisation and leaching. Similarly, the Government is actively promoting biofertilisers and organic inputs to strengthen sustainable agriculture practices. Under the Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana (PKVY), farmers receive financial assistance of up to ₹50,000 per hectare over a three-year period for adopting organic farming practices, including the procurement of biofertilisers, vermicompost, and biopesticides. Similarly, the Mission Organic Value Chain Development for the North Eastern Region (MOVCD-NER) supports organic cultivation, processing, and market linkages to empower growers in the North Eastern states. The GOBAR-Dhan initiative plays a complementary role by promoting the production and use of organic fertilisers, such as Fermented Organic Manure (FOM),-3- Liquid FOM, and Phosphate Rich Organic Manure (PROM), from biogas and compressed biogas plants, thereby reducing waste and providing farmers with affordable nutrient sources. In addition to the above, Kisan Sangoshthis are conducted by the fertilizer companies for extensive field interaction with farmers, local farmer cooperatives, panchayats etc. 25 Fertilizer Marketing Companies (FMCs) conducted 11,587 Camps/Kisan Sangoshthis across the Country during February 2025 to November 2025. Camps/Kian Sangoshthis were organised for promotion of FOM/LFOM/PROM under PM-PRANAM by the Fertilizer companies. *****