NEW DELHI: Seeking to avoid duplication and ensure better implementation, govt on Thursday approved rationalisation of all agri-related centrally sponsored schemes into two umbrella schemes, having 18 components, with total proposed expenditure of over 1 lakh crore.
One of the umbrella schemes – PM Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (PM-RKVY) – will promote sustainable agriculture, while the other – Krishonnati Yojana (KY) – will address food security and agricultural self-sufficiency by increasing production and productivity of farm produce, including oilseeds.
Though all the existing schemes will be continued, the decision will now give flexibility to states for relocating funds from one component to another. Individual states will be able to draw a comprehensive strategic plan suiting respective requirements for the farm sector.
The KV will have a new component – National Mission on Edible Oils-Oilseeds – approved by the cabinet as part of the overall bouquet with an outlay of ₹10,103 crore from 2024-25 to 2030-31. It will aim to make India self reliant in oilseed production in the next seven years.
Out of the total proposed expenditure of over Rs 1 lakh crore under the two umbrella schemes, the projected expenditure towards central share will be Rs 69,088 crore whereas the states will have to contribute Rs 32,232 crore. This includes over Rs 57,074 crore for PM-RKVY and Rs 44,246 crore for KY.
All 18 components, nine each under PM-RKVY and KY, will leverage technology to ensure efficient and effective implementation by the states. “The move not only focuses on the production and productivity of the crops but also tackles the emerging issues of climate resilient agriculture and development of value chain approaches for agricultural commodities,” said I&B minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, in his briefing on the cabinet decision. Besides avoiding duplication and providing flexibility to states, the umbrella schemes will focus on emergent challenges of nutrition security, sustainability, climate resilience and private sector participation.
The nine components under the PM-RKVY include existing soil health management; rainfed area development; agro- forestry; Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana; agricultural mechanisation including crop residue management; Per Drop More Crop; crop diversification programme; and accelerator fund for agri startups.