**Executive Summary:**
This document summarizes the Indian government's initiatives to promote organic farming in Karnataka, as detailed in response to Lok Sabha Unstarred Question No. 2713, answered on August 5th, 2025. It outlines schemes like Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana (PKVY) and National Programme for Organic Production (NPOP), the extent of organic farming adoption, soil testing details, and budget allocation in Karnataka over the last five years. The information provided is based on data available up to 2024-25.
**Key Points / Main Content:**
* **Promotion of Organic Farming:**
* Organic farming is promoted through PKVY in all States/UTs including Karnataka (excluding North Eastern States) since 2015-16, focusing on end-to-end support to farmers from production to marketing.
* PKVY emphasizes forming organic clusters, prioritizing small and marginal farmers to establish a supply chain.
* Assistance of Rs. 31,500 per ha in 3 years is provided under PKVY, including direct benefit transfer to farmers for organic inputs, marketing, certification, training, awareness, and capacity building.
* Organic farming is also promoted through NPOP certification scheme by APEDA under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry.
* **Adoption of Organic Farming in Karnataka:**
* The cumulative area covered under organic farming (NPOP and PGS under PKVY) in Karnataka till 2024-25 is 74,531.61 ha (NPOP: 53,631.61 ha, PGS under PKVY: 20,900 ha).
* District-wise data is not centrally maintained.
* **Soil Testing and Condition:**
* District-wise soil testing results and conditions in Karnataka are available on the Department of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare portal under the Soil Health Card scheme (https:www.soilhealth.dac.gov.inhome).
* Macro and Micro nutrient details are in Annexure I.
* **Budget Allocation and Utilization:**
* Details of fund allocation and release under PKVY in Karnataka from 2020-21 to 2024-25 are provided (in Lakhs INR).
**Impact Analysis:**
* **Farmers in Karnataka:**
* *Impact:* Beneficiaries of schemes promoting organic farming, with access to financial assistance, training, and certification support. Affected by the focus on cluster formation and supply chain development.
* *Action Required:* Engage with relevant schemes (PKVY, NPOP), form organic clusters, adopt organic farming practices, and utilize available resources for inputs, certification, and marketing.
* **Department of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare:**
* *Impact:* Responsible for implementing and monitoring the organic farming promotion schemes, conducting soil testing, and managing related data.
* *Action Required:* Continue implementing and monitoring PKVY, ensure accessibility of soil health information, and accurately manage fund allocation and release.
* **Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA):**
* *Impact:* Responsible for promoting organic farming through NPOP certification scheme.
* *Action Required:* Continue implementing the NPOP certification scheme and support the export of organic products.
Key Entities Referenced
Karnataka: A state in South India, focus of the policy document concerning organic farming and soil health.
Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana PKVY: A scheme to promote organic farming by providing end-to-end support to farmers.
National Programme for Organic Production NPOP: A certification scheme implemented by APEDA under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry to promote organic farming.
Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority APEDA: An organization under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry responsible for implementing the NPOP certification scheme.
Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare: The government ministry responsible for agriculture and farmers' welfare, overseeing the Department of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare.
SHRI GOVIND MAKTHAPPA KARJOL: A member of Lok Sabha who raised a question about promotion of organic farming in Karnataka.
SHRI RAMNATH THAKUR: The Minister of State for Agriculture and Farmers Welfare who provided the answer to the question regarding organic farming.
Chitradurga Constituency: A parliamentary constituency in Karnataka, mentioned in the context of organic farming adoption.