PM-PRANAM fertiliser reform – UGC NET Question

PM-PRANAM is designed to address the environmental and fiscal costs of excessive fertiliser use. States that successfully reduce consumption relative to a baseline can receive a portion of the resulting subsidy savings as grants. These funds can support balanced nutrient management, including organic and bio-fertilisers and capacity building for farmers. The scheme therefore links environmental outcomes with cooperative fiscal incentives.

Option A:
This option is incorrect because the scheme seeks to moderate fertiliser use, not increase it indiscriminately. Raising subsidies without conditions would worsen nutrient imbalances.

Option B:
This option correctly explains how the scheme rewards states for cutting chemical fertiliser use and reinvesting savings in sustainable alternatives.

Option C:
The scheme does not ban organic manures; it promotes them as part of balanced nutrient strategies. Therefore this option contradicts policy intent.

Option D:
PM-PRANAM is unrelated to crop-residue burning; in fact, sustainable agriculture initiatives generally discourage such burning due to air-pollution impacts.