Sri Vijaya Puram, Aug. 13: The Department of Agriculture, Andaman & Nicobar Administration, has initiated the process for renewal of organic certification under the Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana (PKVY) in Car Nicobar and the Nancowrie group of Islands, with the objective of promoting sustainable, chemical-free and climate-resilient agricultural practices among farmers.
The Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana (PKVY) is a Centrally Sponsored Scheme launched by the Government of India during 2015–16 under the National Mission of Sustainable Agriculture (NMSA). The scheme promotes sustainable and eco-friendly models of agricultural production, with emphasis on improving soil fertility, conserving natural resources and producing healthy, chemical-residue-free food through organic farming practices.
Under PKVY, the Participatory Guarantee System (PGS-India) serves as a key mechanism for quality assurance and organic certification. Farmers are provided the flexibility to adopt suitable forms of organic farming in accordance with PGS-India standards, while the cluster-based approach supports not only farm management and organic input production but also quality assurance, value addition and direct marketing.
A significant milestone was achieved in 2021–22, when 14,491 hectares of the Nicobar group of Islands were declared as a traditional organic area under the Large Area Certification (LAC) component of PKVY with effect from 6th April, 2021. The organic certification subsequently expired, as certification data is required to be updated annually on the PGS portal for renewal and issuance of the Organic Certificate.
The Department of Agriculture is now taking steps to renew the organic certification in Car Nicobar and the Nancowrie group of Islands. The initiative is expected to further strengthen institutional support to farmers through a cluster-based approach and encourage wider adoption of organic farming practices, while creating opportunities for value addition and improved direct marketing of organic agricultural produce.
The renewed focus on organic certification is aimed at strengthening the traditional organic farming systems of the Nicobar Islands, improving soil health and promoting sustainable agricultural development while preserving the region’s indigenous farming practices.