Government Restructures Agricultural Schemes for Enhanced Efficiency
In a significant move aimed at streamlining agricultural initiatives, the Indian government has recently approved the consolidation of all centrally sponsored agricultural schemes into two main umbrella programs. This restructuring is designed to eliminate redundancy and improve implementation efficiency, with a total proposed budget exceeding ₹1 lakh crore.
Overview of the New Umbrella Schemes
The first umbrella scheme, known as the PM Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (PM-RKVY), is focused on promoting sustainable farming practices. The second initiative, termed Krishonnati Yojana (KY), aims to bolster food security and enhance self-sufficiency in agriculture by boosting both production and productivity across various crops, including oilseeds.
While existing schemes will remain operational under this new framework, states will now have greater flexibility in reallocating funds among different components. This change allows individual states to develop tailored strategic plans that cater specifically to their unique agricultural needs.
Introduction of New Initiatives
A notable addition within these umbrella schemes is the National Mission on Edible Oils-Oilseeds, which has been allocated ₹10,103 crore from 2024-25 through 2030-31. This mission seeks to achieve self-reliance in oilseed production over the next seven years.
Out of the overall budget exceeding ₹1 lakh crore for these two umbrella programs, approximately ₹69,088 crore will be covered by central funding while states are expected to contribute around ₹32,232 crore. Specifically, PM-RKVY will receive more than ₹57,074 crore while KY is set for an allocation of about ₹44,246 crore.
Components Focused on Technological Advancement
Both PM-RKVY and KY comprise 18 distinct components—nine under each scheme—that leverage technology for effective implementation at state levels. According to Information and Broadcasting Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw’s briefing regarding this cabinet decision: “This initiative not only emphasizes crop production and productivity but also addresses critical issues such as climate-resilient agriculture and value chain development for agricultural products.”
The overarching goal includes tackling pressing challenges related to nutrition security while fostering sustainability through private sector involvement.
Key Components Under PM-RKVY
The nine components included in PM-RKVY encompass various essential areas such as:
- Soil Health Management
- Development of Rainfed Areas
- Agroforestry Practices
- Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana (Traditional Farming Development)
- Agricultural Mechanization with a focus on Crop Residue Management
- Per Drop More Crop Initiative (Water Conservation)
- Crop Diversification Programs
- Accelerator Fund for Agri Startups
These initiatives are designed not only to enhance productivity but also ensure that farmers can adapt effectively amidst changing climatic conditions.
Conclusion: A Forward-Looking Approach
By consolidating its agricultural schemes into these two comprehensive frameworks—PM-RKVY and KY—the government aims not just at improving efficiency but also at addressing contemporary challenges faced by farmers today such as climate change impacts and market fluctuations.
