India is an agricultural country, where the economy and livelihood of millions of people depend on farming. Our farmers living in villages work hard day and night to feed the country. But, there are many challenges in farming – sometimes lack of rain, sometimes problems of seeds and fertilizers, sometimes not getting the right price in the market. Keeping all these problems in mind, the Government of India launched the Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (RKVY) in 2007, which is now known as Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (PM-RKVY). This scheme is a big step to improve the lives of farmers and strengthen agriculture. Let us understand this scheme more closely, what it is, what are its objectives, and how it helps our farmers.

The scheme’s inception and its objective

When the National Agriculture Development Scheme was launched in 2007, its main goal was to achieve an annual growth of 4% in agriculture and allied sectors. At that time, the National Development Council (NDC) observed that the pace of development in the agriculture sector was slow. Understanding the needs of the farmers, there was a need for a scheme that would not only promote farming but also give states the freedom to make plans according to their needs. This is where RKVY was born. In 2017, it was further strengthened as RAFTAAR i.e. Remunerative Approaches for Agriculture and Allied Sector Rejuvenation. And now, in 2024, it has got a new name and new strength as the Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana.

The basic objective of this scheme is to develop farming as a profitable and sustainable business. It not only focuses on increasing the yield of crops, but also promotes allied sectors like fisheries, animal husbandry, horticulture, and organic farming. Apart from this, this scheme gives freedom to the states to make plans according to their local needs, so that the specific problems of each region can be addressed.

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Main objectives of the scheme

Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana has many objectives, which are designed to make the lives of farmers and people associated with agriculture easier. Let us look at some of these main objectives:

• Promoting investment in agriculture: This scheme encourages states to invest more in agriculture and related sectors. For this, the central government and the state governments provide joint funding. Earlier it was 100% funded by the Centre, but since 2015-16, the funding is in the ratio of 60:40 between the Centre and the states (90:10 for north-eastern and Himalayan states).
• Strengthening agricultural infrastructure: Good seeds, fertilizers, irrigation facilities, and warehouses are very important for farming. PM-RKVY emphasizes on improving these infrastructure so that farmers can work easily.
• Risk mitigation: Weather, pests, and market uncertainties pose major risks in agriculture. The scheme uses technology and resources to mitigate these risks.
• Promotion of agricultural entrepreneurship: In today’s time, there is a need to look at farming not just in a traditional way but as a business. PM-RKVY helps the youth to start agricultural startups and promote new business ideas related to farming.
• Planning according to local needs: Every state and district has different soil, climate, and crops. In this scheme, states have the freedom to make projects according to their needs, so that the farmers there get the maximum benefit.

Key components of the plan

PM-RKVY is divided into four main parts, which cater to different needs:

• Production and growth: This includes projects to increase crop yields and improve their quality. Such as providing good seeds, promoting organic farming, and using new technologies.
• Infrastructure and assets: This part focuses on improving farm-related infrastructure such as warehouses, cold storage, and irrigation systems.
• Special schemes: These include specific projects such as those promoting fisheries, poultry, or horticulture
• Flexi Fund: This part gives flexibility to the states to use the funds as per their needs.

Implementation and funding of the scheme

The responsibility of implementing PM-RKVY lies primarily with the state governments. Every state prepares projects based on its district and state level agriculture plans. These projects are made keeping in mind local needs, crops, and priorities. The central government approves these projects and provides funds. In 2024, the Union Cabinet has approved Rs 1,01,321.61 crore for this scheme and Krishi Unnati Yojana (KYC).

State governments also contribute to this scheme. Especially the north-eastern and Himalayan states are given more help so that the farmers there also get equal benefits. 100% funding for union territories comes from the central government.

What are the benefits for farmers?

The biggest advantage of PM-RKVY is that it provides help to farmers according to their needs. Some of the major benefits are as follows:

• Better facilities: Farmers get good seeds, fertilizers, and machinery easily. For example, in Madhya Pradesh, applications are invited for machines like Happy Seeder, Super Seeder through the e-Krishi Yantra Anudan Portal.
• Promotion of organic farming: This scheme encourages organic farming, which improves soil health and reduces dependence on chemical fertilizers.
• Agriculture Startups: Young farmers and entrepreneurs get financial and technical support to start their own businesses
• Market access: The scheme promotes initiatives like the National Agriculture Market (e-NAM) to ensure that farmers get a fair price for their produce.
• Irrigation and Water Management: PM-RKVY, in conjunction with the Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchai Yojana (PMKSY), helps in supplying water to farms and preventing wastage of water.

Challenges and Solutions

Although PM-RKVY is a very good scheme, there are some challenges in implementing it. For example, many times the funds are not used on time or due to lack of awareness, the farmers do not get the full benefit. For this, the government has taken many steps, such as:

• Online Portals: In states like Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh, farmers can easily apply through online portals.
• Awareness Campaign: Camps and workshops are organised to make farmers aware of the scheme at the local level
• Synergy with other schemes: PM-RKVY has been integrated with schemes like MNREGA, Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN), and Soil Health Card Yojana to increase its impact.

Recent progress and future plans

In 2024, the Union Cabinet approved PM-RKVY and Krishi Unnati Yojana, which aim to strengthen food security and make farmers self-reliant. Under this, many new projects have been started to promote sustainable farming. For example, projects worth Rs 16.23 crore were approved in Himachal Pradesh in 2023-24.In the coming time, the government plans to promote digital technologies, such as drones and smart farming, to make this scheme more effective. Also, focus is also being laid on eco-friendly farming to reduce the impact of climate change.

conclusion

Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana is a ray of hope for our food providers. It not only strengthens farming, but also helps farmers to become self-reliant. Whether it is better seeds, modern machinery, or access to the market, this scheme supports farmers at every step. But, its full benefit will be available only when farmers are aware of this scheme and use it properly. If you are a farmer or are associated with farming, then definitely get information about this scheme by visiting your nearest agriculture department or online portal. Come, together make our fields green and our lives happy