The soul of India resides in the villages, and the soul of the villages is our agriculture. Our farmers work hard day and night to feed the country, but agriculture really flourishes only when their hard work gets the right direction and resources. That is why the Government of India launched the Krishonnati Yojana in 2016-17, which aims to improve agriculture, increase farmers’ income, and strengthen food security. This scheme is a support for farmers, which connects them to modern technologies, access to markets, and necessary resources. Let us understand this scheme more closely, what it is, how it works, and what changes it brings in the lives of our food providers.

Introduction and objective of Krishonnati Yojana

The Krishonnati Yojana was launched in 2016-17, and was further strengthened by merging it with the Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (PM-RKVY) in 2024. Its main goal is to make farming sustainable and profitable. This scheme is a group of many small schemes (sub-schemes) that promote agriculture and related sectors, such as horticulture, animal husbandry, and fisheries. This scheme runs with the joint efforts of the central and state governments, so that farmers in every corner of the country can get its benefits.

Some of its major objectives are:

• Increasing productivity in agriculture: Improving the yield and quality of crops so that farmers get more profits.
• Increasing farmers’ income: To develop farming as a business, so that farmers become self-reliant.
• Ensuring food security: Maintaining the availability of grains, fruits, vegetables, and other food items in the country.
• Promote sustainable farming: Encourage environmentally friendly farming practices, such as organic farming and water conservation.
• Use of modern technologies: Making farming easier through drones, smart farming, and digital technologies

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Key components of the plan

Krishonnati Yojana is an umbrella scheme of many smaller schemes. These sub-schemes work on different areas so that every need related to farming can be met. Let us look at some of its main components:

• National Food Security Mission (NFSM): This part focuses on increasing the production of cereals such as rice, wheat, pulses, and coarse grains. Under this, good seeds, fertilizers, and technical assistance are given to the farmers.
• National Horticulture Mission (NHM): This scheme works to promote the cultivation of fruits, vegetables, flowers, and spices. Under this, cold storage, nurseries, and market facilities are provided for horticulture.
• National Mission for Sustainable Agriculture (NMSA): It promotes eco-friendly farming. This includes organic farming, improving soil health, and climate-smart farming.
• National Mission on Oilseeds and Oil Palm: It promotes the cultivation of oilseed crops, such as mustard, soybean, and groundnut, to meet the shortage of edible oils.
• Soil Health and Fertility: Under this, farmers are advised to test and improve their soil through the Soil Health Card Scheme
• Agricultural Marketing: Farmers are helped in getting the right price for their crops through National Agriculture Market (e-NAM) and other schemes.
• Integrated Pest Management (IPM): Eco-friendly methods are used to protect crops from pests and diseases.
• Agricultural Mechanization: Under this, farmers are given subsidies to purchase modern machines, such as tractors, happy seeders, and drones.

Funding and implementation

The Krishonnati scheme is jointly funded by the central and state governments. In 2024, the Union Cabinet approved Rs 1,01,321.61 crore for the Krishonnati scheme and the Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana. The funding ratio between the Centre and the states is 60:40, but for the north-eastern and Himalayan states it is 90:10. For union territories, 100% funding is provided by the central government.

The responsibility of implementing this scheme lies mainly with the state governments. Every state makes plans at its district and block level, which are according to the needs of the soil, climate, and crops there. The central government approves these schemes and provides funds. Many online portals have also been created for this, such as the e-Krishi Yantra Anudan Portal of Madhya Pradesh, where farmers can apply for subsidy for machines.

Challenges and Solutions

Like every scheme, there are some challenges in implementing the Krishonnati Yojana. Sometimes small and marginal farmers are not able to benefit from it because they are not aware or find the application process complicated. Apart from this, funds are not utilized on time in some states. The government has taken several steps to deal with these problems:

• Online Application Process: Online portals have been started in many states so that farmers can easily apply for subsidy and other facilities.
• Awareness campaign: Farmers are being informed about the scheme through camps and workshops at the local level.
• Synergy with other schemes: The Krishonnati Yojana has been integrated with schemes like PM-KISAN, MNREGA, and Soil Health Card to increase its impact.

Recent progress and future plans

In 2024, the government has taken several new steps to make this scheme more effective. The Cabinet has approved huge funding for this, so that farming can be further modernized. Special focus is being given to promote drone technology, smart farming, and digital platforms. Apart from this, sustainable farming is being encouraged to reduce the impact of climate change. For example, many projects have been started at the local level in states like Himachal Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh. In Madhya Pradesh, subsidy applications for machines were started in 2023-24, benefiting thousands of farmers.

conclusion

Krishonnati Yojana is a strong support for our farmers, which not only makes farming easier but also establishes it as a profitable business. Be it good seeds, modern machines, or access to the market, this scheme supports farmers at every step. But, its full benefit will be available only when farmers get complete information about it and use it properly. If you are a farmer or are associated with farming, then definitely ask about this scheme by visiting your nearest Agriculture Department, Common Service Center (CSC), or online portal. Come, let us take our farming to new heights with this scheme and make our villages prosperous