Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
Bhartiya Prakratik Krishi Paddhati (BPKP) is a central initiative launched to promote traditional, chemical-free, indigenous farming practices.
The scheme focuses on eliminating synthetic chemical inputs and encourages on-farm biomass recycling, cow-dung-urine formulations, and biological soil rejuvenation.
Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
Let us evaluate each of the statements to identify the incorrect one:
- Statement 1: BPKP was introduced as a scheme starting from the financial year 2020-21, not 2017-18.
Therefore, Statement 1 is incorrect.
- Statement 2: BPKP is indeed implemented as a sub-scheme under the larger umbrella of Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana (PKVY) to focus specifically on natural farming.
Therefore, Statement 2 is correct.
- Statement 3: The program strongly promotes Zero-Budget Natural Farming (ZBNF) principles, relying on traditional preparations like Jeevamrit, Bijamrit, and neem-based formulations.
Therefore, Statement 3 is correct.
- Statement 4: Official progress reports indicate that approximately 4.09 lakh hectares of agricultural land across 8 states have been brought under natural farming practices through this financial scheme.
Therefore, Statement 4 is correct.
Step 3: Final Answer:
Since BPKP was launched in 2020-21, Statement 1 is the incorrect option.