Organic agriculture has become a multi-billion dollar industry in the past two decades, and it is still one of the fastest-growing agricultural sectors today. To encourage organic farming practices in the region, several initiatives have been implemented. The program provides a subsidy of 25,000 rupees per hectare for three years to farmers to obtain organic inputs, such as compost and biofertilizers. It also grants funds for the creation of non-profit organizations, capacity building and the construction of post-harvest infrastructure worth up to 2 million rupees.
Additionally, 100 percent aid is provided to the state government and government agencies for the establishment of mechanized waste for the fruit and vegetable market and a fertilizer production unit for agricultural waste, up to a maximum limit of 190 lakh rupees per unit (a total annual capacity of 3000 tons of TPA).For individuals and private agencies, assistance of up to 33% of the cost limit, up to 63 lakh rupees per unit, is provided as a capital investment. State agencies, primary agricultural credit societies (PACS), agricultural producer organizations (FPO) and entrepreneurs can apply for loans to establish post-harvest infrastructures that add value to organic products under the Aatmanirbhar Bharat Agricultural Infrastructure Fund (AIF), of 1 lakh crore. The recipients of OREI project grants have been diverse and include universities such as Oregon State University, Clemson University, and the University of Wisconsin; NGOs such as the Midwest Organic and Sustainable Education Service (MOSES); and agencies such as the Colorado Department of Agriculture and the Agricultural Research Service. These initiatives have been implemented to promote organic agriculture practices in the region. They provide farmers with access to organic inputs, grants for non-profit organizations, capacity building and post-harvest infrastructure. Additionally, individuals and private agencies can apply for loans to establish post-harvest infrastructures that add value to organic products.
