HYDERABAD, 4 July 2025: In a decisive step toward transforming India’s agricultural practices, the Centre has launched a push to encourage organic farming under the National Project on Organic Farming, with Telangana among the early focus regions.
The programme is designed to curb excessive use of chemical fertilisers while providing financial support and improved market opportunities to farmers.
In Karimnagar district, officials have started identifying farmers interested in switching to organic cultivation. The scheme is jointly funded by the Centre and the State, with the Centre bearing 60% of costs and Telangana 40%.
Selected farmers will receive training on preparing organic inputs such as Jeevamrutham (liquid fertiliser), Ghana Jeevamrutham (solid fertiliser), green manure, and natural pesticides like Agniastra.
Two community resource persons (CRPs), usually from local self-help groups, will be appointed per cluster of two to three villages, covering about 125 farmers. These CRPs will provide training and field-level support, receiving guidance from the Hyderabad-based Centre for Sustainable Agriculture.
Each farmer will also get INR 4,000 annually for two years to produce organic fertilisers. Farmers unable to prepare their own can purchase inputs from bioresource centres being set up in the district.
To address market challenges, the project will establish dedicated organic produce stalls in every district to ensure farmers have reliable outlets for their crops.
“This combination of subsidies, training, and assured markets is crucial to motivate farmers to adopt organic farming,” said a local farmer.
The scheme is part of India’s broader strategy to promote sustainable agriculture, improve soil health, reduce chemical usage, and boost farmer incomes.
Telangana’s community-based model could serve as a blueprint for other states aiming to expand organic farming. Officials plan to complete CRP training and bioresource centre setup by the end of the current kharif season.
The first organic harvests under the project are expected to hit market stalls by mid-2026.
With proper support, many small and marginal farmers in Telangana are expected to switch to organic farming, helping India meet growing domestic and international demand for sustainably produced food.
If successful, this model may be scaled nationwide, advancing India’s goals for climate-resilient and eco-friendly agriculture.
