Parliament Question: Promotion of Sustainable Agriculture

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE & FARMERS WELFARE DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE & FARMERS WELFARE LOK SABHA STARRED QUESTION NO. 124 TO BE ANSWERED ON THE 09TH DECEMBER, 2025 PROMOTION OF SUSTAINABLE AGRICULTURE *124. SHRI ANUP SANJAY DHOTRE:

Will the Minister of AGRICULTURE AND FARMERS WELFARE कृ िष एवं िकसान क(cid:670)ाण मं(cid:361)ी

be pleased to state:

(a) the details of steps being taken to promote sustainable agriculture practices in Akola and Washim districts and the manner in which farmers being encouraged to adopt these practices;

(b) the manner in which the Government plans to enhance the irrigation infrastructure in Akola and Washim, considering the region's water scarcity issues;

(c) the details of measures taken to support farmers in Akola and Washim in accessing markets and improving their market linkages; and

(d) the manner in which the Government plans to address the issue of soil health in Akola and Washim along with the initiatives being taken to promote organic farming practices in the region? ANSWER MINISTER OF AGRICULTURE AND FARMERS WELFARE कृ िष एवं िकसान क(cid:670)ाण मं(cid:361)ी (SHRI SHIVRAJ SINGH CHOUHAN)

(a) to (d): A statement is laid on the Table of the House.STATEMENT IN RESPECT OF PARTS (a) TO (d) OF THE LOK SABHA STARRED QUESTION NO. 124 DUE FOR ANSWER ON 09TH DECEMBER, 2025 REGARDING “PROMOTION OF SUSTAINABLE AGRICULTURE”

(a): Government is implementing National Mission for Sustainable Agriculture (NMSA), to promote sustainable agriculture practices in the country including in the State of Maharashtra. Several schemes under NMSA encourage farmers to adopt sustainable agriculture practices. Per Drop More Crop (PDMC) scheme increases water use efficiency at the farm level through micro irrigation technologies i.e. drip and sprinkler irrigation. Till date, 30,962.44 ha in Akola district and 40,171 ha in Washim district have been covered under micro-irrigation under PDMC. For promotion of organic farming and natural farming, Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana (PKVY), and National Mission on Natural Farming

(NMNF) are implemented respectively. Till date, 2,760 ha in Akola district and 2,160 ha in Washim district have been covered under PKVY. Further, 1,750 ha in Akola and 1,000 ha in Washim have been covered under NMNF so far. State of Maharashtra is also implementing State scheme “Dr. Panjabrao Deshmukh Naisargik Sheti Mission (DPDNSM)” to promote natural farming. Till date, 4000 ha in Akola district and 3500 ha in Washim district have been covered under DPDNSM.

(b): Water is a State subject. Water resources projects are planned, funded, executed and maintained by State Governments as per their own resources and priority. Government of India provides technical and financial assistance to State Governments to encourage sustainable development and efficient management of water resources under various ongoing schemes.

Lower Pedhi Project with ultimate irrigation potential of 16,000 hectare has been included under Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchai Yojana – Acceleration Irrigation Benefits Programme This will benefit Akola district. In 2018, a Special Package for Irrigation Projects was approved for Maharashtra to complete 83 Surface Minor Irrigation (SMI) projects and 8 Major/Medium Irrigation Projects in drought prone districts. 02 medium irrigation projects and 07 surface minor projects with ultimate irrigation potential of 23,009 hectare in Akola district and 18 surface minor irrigation projects with ultimate irrigation potential of 13,398 hectare in Washim district have been included under this package.

(c): Government is providing financial support to farmers in Akola and Washim for marketing, branding, and value addition through schemes, such as, the Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana and Dr. Panjabrao Deshmukh Naisargik Sheti Mission, improving their access to markets and strengthening market linkages. To ensure access to markets and improvingtheir market linkages, 25 Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs) have also been formed in Akola and Washim districts of Maharashtra, facilitating farmers to sell their produce at fair price through these FPOs. Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare conducts weekly webinar facilitating direct interaction between FPOs and large institutional buyers for exploring business opportunities.

(d): Government is addressing soil health issues in Akola and Washim primarily through the Soil Health & Fertility Scheme where soil health cards are issued to farmers. Soil Health Card assists farmers in promoting integrated nutrient management through judicious use of chemical fertilizers along with organic manures & bio-fertilizers for improving soil health and productivity. Since 2023–24, till date, total of 1,25,667 SHCs have been generated in Akola and 27,939 SHCs in Washim district of Maharashtra.

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