Budget 2023 | FM announces PM-PRANAM scheme to promote alternative fertilisers

She said 500 new 'waste to wealth' plants under GOBARdhan (Galvanizing Organic Bio-Agro Resources Dhan) scheme will be established for promoting circular economy.

"These will include 200 compressed biogas (CBG) plants, including 75 plants in urban areas, and 300 community or cluster-based plants at total investment of Rs 10,000 crore," finance minister said.

Also, a 5 percent CBG mandate will be introduced for all organisations marketing natural and bio gas. For collection of bio-mass and distribution of bio-manure, appropriate fiscal support will be provided.

"Over the next 3 years, we will facilitate 1 crore farmers to adopt natural farming. For this, 10,000 Bio-Input Resource Centres will be set-up, creating a national-level distributed micro-fertilizer and pesticide manufacturing network," FM added.

Gaurav Kedia, Chairman of Indian Biogas Association, said Finance Minister today presented PM-Pranam (Promotion of Alternate Nutrients for Agriculture Management Yojana) scheme during Union budget 2023, which will support the use of alternate fertilizers as part of the government's commitment to a greener future.

The government has also secured Rs 35,000 crore to support the transition towards energy efficiency and security. In line with these efforts, a new 500 plants under GOBAR-dhan scheme will be established, including 200 Compressed BioGas (CBG) facilities and 300 community and cluster based biogas plants, at a total investment of Rs 10,000 crore, Kedia said.

The OMCs (Oil Marketing Companies) have been mandated to provide a 5 percent share of CBGs. The focus on promoting natural farming is also an important step towards a greener future. The "green growth" strategy and its focus on a "lifestyle for the environment" will help create a cleaner, greener, and more prosperous future for all Indians, he added.