Union Cabinet Approves Two Major Agriculture Schemes with Total Outlay of Rs 1 Lakh Crore

The Union Cabinet has approved the consolidation of various agricultural schemes into two main programmes: PM Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (PM-RKVY) and Krishonnati Yojana (KY). This decision, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, involves an expenditure exceeding Rs 1 lakh crore. The aim is to promote sustainable farming practices and ensure food security across the nation.

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The PM-RKVY scheme will focus on promoting sustainable agriculture, while the KY will address food security and agricultural self-sufficiency. The total proposed expenditure for these umbrella schemes is Rs 1,01,321.61 crore. Of this amount, Rs 69,088.98 crore is allocated as the central share from the Department of Agriculture, and Rs 32,232.63 crore is designated as the states' share.

Focus on Sustainable Agriculture

Under PM-RKVY, state governments have the flexibility to reallocate funds among various components based on their specific needs. The scheme includes initiatives like Soil Health Management, Rainfed Area Development, Agro Forestry, Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana, Agricultural Mechanization with Crop Residue Management, Per Drop More Crop, Crop Diversification Programme, RKVY DPR component, and Accelerator Fund for Agri Startups.

The rationalisation process incorporates 18 schemes under these two umbrella programmes. These schemes are implemented through state governments to ensure continuity of existing initiatives. For instance, the National Mission for Edible Oil-Oil Palm (NMEO-OP) and Digital Agriculture are being pursued in mission mode to enhance farmers' welfare.

Addressing Regional Challenges

The Mission Organic Value Chain Development for North Eastern Region (MOVCDNER), a part of KY, is being modified with an additional component called MOVCDNER-Detailed Project Report (MOVCDNER-DPR). This addition provides Northeastern states with flexibility to tackle critical challenges unique to their region.

The rationalisation aims to prevent duplication and ensure convergence while offering states flexibility in planning. This approach allows states to create comprehensive strategic documents addressing agriculture holistically. These plans focus on crop production and productivity while tackling issues like climate resilience and value chain development.

Strategic Planning for States

States can now prepare a comprehensive strategic plan tailored to their agricultural sector needs. Annual Action Plans (AAP) can be approved collectively rather than individually for each scheme. This streamlining benefits states by simplifying approval processes and enhancing efficiency.

The government elaborated that this rationalisation helps address emergent agricultural challenges such as nutrition security, sustainability, climate resilience, value chain development, and private sector participation. By consolidating schemes under PM-RKVY and KY, states gain the opportunity to develop strategic frameworks linked with overarching objectives.

This initiative ensures that all existing schemes continue while providing a platform for new areas needing attention. The government emphasised that wherever necessary, schemes have been adopted in mission mode to boost specific areas of farmers' welfare.