Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Jana Urvarak Pariyojana (PM-BJUR) - Overview, Features, and Limitations

In October 2022, the Prime Minister of India initiated a significant scheme known as Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Jana Urvarak Pariyojana. This scheme is an essential part of the UPSC syllabus and holds considerable importance for the IAS exam.

98% of UPSC toppers follow a study plan to crack the exam

Get your personalized AI-generated study plan made by industry experts.

Download your Study Plan Now

Understanding Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Jana Urvarak Pariyojana

The term Urvarak is a Hindi word that translates to fertilisers. Ever since the advent of the green revolution , fertilisers have become the backbone of Indian agriculture, significantly boosting crop productivity. However, the excessive use of fertilisers by Indian farmers has led to increased soil salinity, groundwater pollution, and soil erosion. Hence, there is a pressing need for the judicious and scientific application of fertilisers.

Key Features of PM-BJUR

As per the Department of Fertilisers, this scheme aims to implement “One Nation One Fertiliser (ONOF)”.

Under PM-BJUR, 600 Pradhan Mantri Sammridhi Kendras have been established. These Kendras serve as a bridge between the government and the farmers, providing fertiliser sales and other services.
- The scheme plans to set up over 3.25 lakh fertiliser shops nationwide as Pradhan Mantri Sammridhi Kendra. These centres will offer additional services such as soil testing and information about soil health.
- The scheme will eliminate confusion regarding the standards and quality of fertilisers. All urea across the country will have the same name, quality, and logo.
- PM-BJUR will also play a crucial role in educating farmers across the country.
Under ONOF, companies can display their logo, trademark, and product information only on 1/3rd of their bags. The “Bharat” brand and the logo of the Bharatiya Jan fertiliser project will be displayed on the remaining portions of the bag.
The scheme applies to both private and public sector companies in India.
PM-BJUR ensures uniform fertiliser branding throughout the country, reducing brand and logo multiplicity.
Key fertilisers like Urea, DAP, etc., will be sold as Bharat Urea, Bharat DAP, Bharat MOP, etc.

Limitations of Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Jana Urvarak Pariyojana

The scheme, however, has certain drawbacks.

Companies are discouraged from marketing their products, reducing their role to merely government-contracted importers. This could discourage their participation in this sector.
The restriction on product marketing could deter companies from entering this field, thereby reducing competition.
Under the existing system, manufacturing companies are accountable for any discrepancy if the fertiliser does not meet the required standard. However, this new scheme could reduce their accountability.

Conclusion: The Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Jana Urvarak Pariyojana is expected to create awareness among farmers and provide services that could boost their productivity.

Related Links
Nutrient Based Subsidy Scheme [Fertilizer Policy]	Agriculture in India
Agriculture Questions for UPSC Mains GS 3	Commission for Agricultural Costs and Prices
Aerobic Rice Cultivation	Fertilizer Policy in India

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Jana Urvarak Pariyojana?

The Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Jana Urvarak Pariyojana is a scheme launched by the Prime Minister of India to regulate the use of fertilisers in the country and ensure their scientific application to enhance crop productivity.

What are the features of the Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Jana Urvarak Pariyojana?

The scheme aims to provide 'One Nation One Fertiliser' policy, initiate more than 3.25 lakh fertiliser shops across the country, create awareness among farmers, ensure uniformity in fertiliser brands, and includes both private and public sector companies.

What are the limitations of the Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Jana Urvarak Pariyojana?

The limitations include discouragement for companies from marketing their products, reduced competition in the sector, and reduced accountability of manufacturing companies in case of any discrepancy.

UPSC Beginners Program

Get UPSC Beginners Program SuperCoaching @ just

₹50000₹0