“Uttar Pradesh’s Yogi government has launched a five-year campaign to promote organic farming, offering 75% subsidies on biofertilizers to 90,000 farmers. The initiative aims to reduce chemical fertilizer dependency, enhance soil health, and boost crop productivity. Training programs at 838 seed depots will educate farmers on biofertilizer benefits, targeting sustainable agriculture and environmental safety.”
Uttar Pradesh Pioneers Organic Farming with Robust Subsidy Support
In a significant push towards sustainable agriculture, the Uttar Pradesh government, under Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, has rolled out an ambitious five-year campaign to promote organic farming across the state. Initiated in 2024, the program focuses on reducing dependency on chemical fertilizers while enhancing soil health and agricultural productivity through the use of biofertilizers. This initiative aligns with India’s broader goal of promoting chemical-free farming, as emphasized in recent national policies.
The campaign targets approximately 90,000 farmers, providing a 75% subsidy on biofertilizers through e-source POS machines. Biofertilizers, including Rhizobium, Phosphate Solubilising Bacteria (PSB), and vermicompost, are promoted as cost-effective alternatives to chemical fertilizers. These organic inputs are designed to improve soil structure and increase the productivity of cereal crops like wheat and rice, pulse crops such as gram and lentil, and oilseed crops like mustard. According to Agriculture Secretary Devesh Chaturvedi, biofertilizers are not only cheaper but also environmentally sustainable, making them a viable option for small and marginal farmers.
To ensure widespread adoption, the state government has planned extensive awareness programs. Daylong training sessions will be organized during the Rabi and Kharif seasons at 838 state agricultural seed depots across 825 development blocks. These sessions aim to educate over 50,000 farmers on the benefits and application methods of biofertilizers. The training will cover practical aspects, such as the correct use of biofertilizers to enhance crop yields and maintain soil fertility, addressing the widespread issue of soil degradation caused by prolonged chemical fertilizer use.
The initiative comes at a time when India is grappling with the environmental and health impacts of chemical-intensive agriculture. Reports indicate that excessive use of chemical fertilizers has led to a sharp decline in soil organic carbon and micronutrients, affecting long-term agricultural sustainability. Uttar Pradesh’s campaign draws inspiration from national schemes like the Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana (PKVY) and Mission Organic Value Chain Development for North Eastern Region (MOVCDNER), which provide financial assistance for organic inputs and certification. Under PKVY, farmers receive up to ₹50,000 per hectare for organic farming inputs and certification, fostering a cluster-based approach to sustainable agriculture.
The state’s focus on organic farming is also a response to the global demand for chemical-free produce. India ranks ninth globally in certified organic agricultural land, with 1.94 million hectares as of 2018-19, according to the Research Institute of Organic Agriculture (FiBL). Uttar Pradesh, with its vast agricultural base, aims to contribute significantly to this growth. The campaign emphasizes the cultivation of diverse crops, including indigenous varieties, to enhance food security and nutritional diversity, addressing concerns raised by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) about undernourishment in India.
However, challenges remain. Experts caution that transitioning to organic farming can initially reduce crop yields by up to 20% in the first two to three years, as soils adapt to organic inputs. Long-term studies by the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) show that organic farming can achieve comparable or higher yields than conventional methods after this period, with crops like turmeric, cotton, and maize showing 5-20% yield increases. To mitigate these challenges, Uttar Pradesh’s campaign includes support for farmer producer organizations (FPOs) to improve market access and ensure premium prices for organic produce.
The initiative also aligns with the Union Budget 2023-24, which announced plans to transition 10 million farmers to natural farming over three years. Schemes like PM-PRANAAM and GOBARdhan aim to incentivize states to reduce chemical fertilizer use and promote bio-agro resources. Uttar Pradesh’s proactive approach positions it as a leader in this national movement, with potential to set a model for other states. By integrating training, subsidies, and market linkages, the state is laying the groundwork for a sustainable agricultural future.
Disclaimer: This news article is based on reports from credible sources, including government announcements and agricultural research data. Information is accurate as of August 5, 2025, and subject to change based on policy updates or new findings. Readers are advised to verify details with official government portals or local agriculture departments.