Government schemes in the agricultural sector in India

1. Government schemes in the agricultural sector in India Government schemes in agriculture in India play a crucial role in supporting and promoting the agricultural sector, which is the backbone of the country's economy. These schemes are designed to address the challenges faced by farmers, improve agricultural productivity, ensure food security, and enhance the livelihoods of rural communities. They provide financial assistance, technical support, and access to resources, helping farmers adopt modern practices, mitigate risks, and achieve sustainable agricultural growth.

2. Important government schemes in the agricultural sector in India Here are some important government schemes initiated in India for promoting farming . Moreover, the schemes aim to help the farmers in agricultural-related areas such as irrigation, providing capital and loans to them for conducting these activities at ease. Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN) is a government scheme launched in February 2019 to provide income support to small and marginal farmers in India. Under this scheme, eligible farmers receive direct financial assistance of Rs. 6,000 per year in three equal installments of Rs. 2,000 each.

3. Key features of the PM-KISAN scheme include: Eligibility: Small and marginal farmers who own cultivable land up to 2 hectares are eligible for the scheme. The scheme aims to benefit approximately 12 crore (120 million) farmers across the country. Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT): The financial assistance is provided through Direct Benefit Transfer directly into the bank accounts of the eligible farmers. The scheme is implemented on a pan-India basis. Income Support: The financial assistance of Rs. 6,000 per year is aimed at supplementing the financial needs of farmers and supporting their agricultural activities. Installment Schedule: The financial assistance is given in three equal installments, distributed every four months. The first installment is usually provided between December to March, the second between April to July, and the third between August to November. Implementation: The scheme is implemented by the Department of Agriculture, Cooperation & Farmers Welfare, under the Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare, Government of India. State and Union Territory Governments are responsible for identification of eligible farmers and transfer of funds. The PM-KISAN scheme aims to provide financial stability to small and marginal farmers, enhance their purchasing power, and boost agricultural productivity in India.

4. Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchai Yojana Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchai Yojana (PMKSY) is a government scheme in India launched in July 2015. It aims to improve water use efficiency and expand irrigation coverage in agricultural fields across the country. The primary goal of PMKSY is to ensure "Har Khet Ko Pani" (water for every field) and enhance the productivity of agriculture through effective water management. Key features of the PMKSY scheme include: Focus on Micro Irrigation: The scheme promotes the adoption of micro-irrigation techniques such as drip irrigation and sprinkler irrigation to improve water use efficiency. Financial assistance is provided to farmers for setting up micro-irrigation infrastructure. Accelerated Irrigation Benefits Program (AIBP): PMKSY includes the existing AIBP, which aims to expedite the completion of ongoing irrigation projects and create new irrigation infrastructure. It focuses on creating water storage structures, diversion canals, and lift irrigation projects. Per Drop More Crop: The PMKSY scheme promotes the "Per Drop More Crop" approach, encouraging farmers to adopt efficient irrigation practices and technologies to maximize agricultural productivity while conserving water resources.

5. Watershed Development: PMKSY emphasizes the development of watershed areas to conserve rainwater and improve water availability for agricultural purposes. It supports measures like contour bunding, afforestation, and construction of check dams. Convergence and Implementation: PMKSY brings together multiple departments and agencies involved in water management, including the Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare, Ministry of Water Resources, River Development & Ganga Rejuvenation, and State Governments. It aims for effective coordination and implementation of irrigation-related activities. The Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchai Yojana aims to enhance the sustainability and productivity of agriculture by ensuring efficient water management. It seeks to empower farmers with better irrigation facilities, reduce dependence on monsoons, and improve overall agricultural output in India. Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana (PKVY) is a government scheme launched in 2015 by the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Government of India. The scheme aims to promote organic farming practices and enhance soil fertility while reducing the dependency on synthetic chemicals in agricultural practices.

6. Key features of the Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana (PKVY) include: Adoption of Organic Farming: PKVY encourages farmers to adopt organic farming methods by promoting traditional and indigenous practices. It emphasizes the use of organic inputs, such as organic manure, bio-fertilizers, and bio-pesticides, to improve soil health and crop productivity. Cluster Approach: The scheme is implemented on a cluster-based approach, where a group of farmers (minimum 50 farmers) come together and form a cluster to practice organic farming collectively. This approach enables better coordination, sharing of knowledge, and mutual support among farmers. Financial Assistance: Under PKVY, financial support is provided to farmers for the adoption of organic farming practices. The assistance covers activities such as the procurement of organic inputs, cost for certification, and capacity building of farmers through training and exposure visits. Certification: Farmers under PKVY are encouraged to obtain organic certification for their produce. The scheme supports farmers in meeting the requirements and costs associated with organic certification, which enhances the marketability and value of their organic produce. Capacity Building: PKVY emphasizes the capacity building of farmers by providing training programs, demonstrations, workshops, and exposure visits. These initiatives aim to educate farmers about organic farming techniques, composting methods, pest and disease management in organic farming, and other relevant aspects. The Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana promotes sustainable agricultural practices, enhances soil health, reduces environmental degradation, and ensures the production of chemical-free and safe food. It aims to encourage farmers to adopt organic farming methods and contribute to the overall well-being of farmers, consumers, and the environment.

7. Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY) is a government scheme launched in January 2016 to provide crop insurance coverage and financial support to farmers in India. The scheme aims to protect farmers against crop losses caused by natural calamities, pests, and diseases, and to stabilize their income in times of distress. Key features of the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana include: Comprehensive Coverage: PMFBY provides coverage for all food crops, oilseeds, and commercial/horticultural crops. It covers losses incurred due to adverse weather conditions, pests and diseases, and post-harvest losses. Premium and Claim Sharing: The premium rates under PMFBY are significantly subsidized by the government, making it affordable for farmers. The premium rates for farmers are capped at 2% of the sum insured for Kharif crops, 1.5% for Rabi crops, and 5% for commercial/horticultural crops. The remaining premium is shared equally by the central and state governments. Technology-driven Assessment: PMFBY incorporates the use of technology for accurate and transparent assessment of crop losses. Remote sensing, satellite imagery, and mobile applications are used for faster and efficient crop loss assessment, reducing delays in claim settlement. Timely Compensation: In case of crop losses, farmers receive compensation within a specified timeframe. The claims are settled based on the actual yield loss compared to the expected yield.

8. Farmer-friendly Approach: PMFBY aims to simplify the insurance process for farmers. It facilitates easy enrollment, timely payment of claims, and access to information through online portals and mobile applications. Awareness campaigns and farmer training programs are conducted to educate farmers about the benefits and procedures of the scheme. The Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana provides a safety net for farmers by mitigating the risks associated with agricultural activities. It ensures financial stability, encourages investment in agriculture, and contributes to the overall growth and welfare of the farming community in India. Gramin Bhandaran Yojana Gramin Bhandaran Yojana (GBY) is a government scheme in India that aims to provide financial assistance to farmers for the construction of rural godowns or storage facilities. It was launched by the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare in 2001 to promote scientific storage practices and reduce post-harvest losses in agricultural produce.

9. Key features of the Gramin Bhandaran Yojana include: Financial Assistance: Under GBY, eligible farmers, farmer groups, cooperatives, and organizations can avail financial assistance for the construction of godowns in rural areas. The scheme provides a subsidy of up to 25% of the capital cost for general category beneficiaries and 33.33% for SC/ST farmers or their cooperatives. Storage Capacity: The scheme supports the construction of godowns with a minimum capacity of 50 metric tonnes (MT) and a maximum capacity of 1,000 MT. The storage facilities are designed to meet the specific requirements of different agricultural commodities, ensuring proper preservation and protection against spoilage, pests, and other damages. Eligibility Criteria: Farmers, farmer groups, cooperatives, and organizations involved in agricultural activities are eligible to apply for financial assistance under GBY. They need to meet certain criteria related to land ownership, organizational structure, and compliance with storage standards. Technical Specifications: The godowns constructed under GBY should adhere to specific technical specifications and norms prescribed by the scheme. This includes aspects such as flooring, roofing, ventilation, pest control measures, safety features, and other requirements for maintaining the quality of stored produce. Implementation and Monitoring: The scheme is implemented by the National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) in coordination with the State Governments. It involves a transparent application and selection process, regular monitoring, and inspection to ensure the proper utilization of funds and adherence to storage standards. The Gramin Bhandaran Yojana aims to address the challenges of post-harvest losses in rural areas by providing farmers with improved storage facilities. It enables farmers to store their produce safely, minimize losses, and have better access to markets, leading to increased income and overall agricultural development in rural India.

10. Pradhan Mantri Kisan Maan-Dhan Yojana Pradhan Mantri Kisan Maan-Dhan Yojana (PM-KMY) is a government scheme in India that was launched in September 2019. It is a pension scheme specifically designed for small and marginal farmers to provide them with financial security in their old age. The scheme aims to ensure a social security net for farmers who have limited or no access to formal pension schemes. Key features of Pradhan Mantri Kisan Maan-Dhan Yojana include: Eligibility: Small and marginal farmers between the ages of 18 and 40 years are eligible to join the scheme. The farmer should also be a member of a farmer household who is not eligible for any other pension scheme. Voluntary and Contributory: The scheme is voluntary, and eligible farmers need to enroll by filling out an application form. Enrolled farmers are required to make a monthly contribution towards the pension fund. The contribution amount is determined based on the entry age of the farmer, and an equal amount is contributed by the government. Pension Benefits: Under PM-KMY, eligible farmers will receive a fixed monthly pension of Rs. 3,000 once they reach the age of 60. The pension is provided through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) directly into the bank accounts of the beneficiaries.

11. Nominee Provision: Farmers enrolling in the scheme have the option to nominate a beneficiary who will receive the pension in case of the farmer's unfortunate demise before the age of 60. Implementation: The scheme is implemented by the Department of Agriculture, Cooperation & Farmers Welfare, under the Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare, Government of India. State governments and union territories are responsible for the identification and enrollment of eligible farmers. The Pradhan Mantri Kisan Maan-Dhan Yojana aims to provide social security to small and marginal farmers by ensuring a regular pension in their old age. It is designed to alleviate the financial burden on farmers and enhance their quality of life by providing them with a sustainable income source after retirement. E-NAM E-NAM stands for Electronic National Agriculture Market. It is an online trading platform introduced by the Government of India to create a unified national market for agricultural commodities. E-NAM aims to provide a transparent and efficient mechanism for buying and selling agricultural produce. Key features of E-NAM:

12. Online Trading Platform: E-NAM enables farmers, traders, and buyers to trade agricultural commodities online through a common platform. It eliminates the need for physical marketplaces and allows participants to connect and transact digitally. Price Discovery: E-NAM facilitates price discovery by providing real-time information on commodity prices prevailing in various mandis (marketplaces) across the country. Farmers can access these prices and make informed decisions about selling their produce. Transparent Auction Process: The platform conducts e-auctions to ensure a fair and transparent bidding process. It promotes competition among traders, resulting in better prices for farmers. Quality Grading and Certification: E-NAM provides quality testing and certification facilities to ensure standardization of agricultural produce. This helps in maintaining quality and enables farmers to fetch better prices for their produce. Single License: E-NAM allows traders to obtain a single license that is valid across all E-NAM mandis in the country. This simplifies the trading process and reduces bureaucratic hurdles. Secure Payment Mechanism: The platform facilitates seamless and secure payments between buyers and sellers through an integrated online payment system. This ensures timely and hassle-free transactions. E-NAM was launched by the Government of India in 2016 and has been implemented in various mandis across the country to facilitate efficient agricultural trade and benefit farmers by providing them with better market access and improved price realization for their produce.

13. The Kisan Credit Card The Kisan Credit Card (KCC) is a government-backed scheme in India that provides farmers with access to affordable credit for their agricultural needs. It aims to meet the credit requirements of farmers, including crop production expenses, post-harvest expenses, consumption needs, and working capital for allied agricultural activities. Key features of the Kisan Credit Card scheme: Eligibility: The KCC scheme is available to all farmers, including individuals, joint cultivators, tenant farmers, sharecroppers, and oral lessees, who are engaged in agricultural activities. Credit Limit: Farmers are provided with a revolving credit facility with a predefined credit limit based on the scale of operations, cropping pattern, and other factors. The credit limit is determined by considering the agricultural inputs required, the cost of cultivation, and the post-harvest expenses. Flexible Withdrawal: Farmers can withdraw money from the Kisan Credit Card account as per their requirements. The withdrawal can be made in the form of cash or through checks, ATM cards, or online transfers. Interest Subsidy: The KCC scheme offers interest subsidy to farmers. The government provides interest rate concessions to farmers, typically ranging from 2% to 4%, to make credit affordable and accessible to them.

14. Repayment Flexibility: The repayment period for KCC loans is usually up to one year, but it can be extended based on the farmer's income and repayment capacity. The loan can be repaid either in a single installment after harvest or in multiple installments during the loan tenure. Insurance Coverage: Kisan Credit Card holders are eligible for crop insurance coverage, which provides financial protection against crop losses due to natural calamities, pests, and diseases. The premium for the insurance is borne by the farmer, and the government provides subsidy support for the premium. The Kisan Credit Card scheme is implemented by various public and private sector banks in India, and farmers can apply for the card through their respective banks or online platforms. The scheme aims to provide timely and adequate credit to farmers, promoting agricultural productivity and ensuring their financial well-being. The National Mission for Sustainable Agriculture The National Mission for Sustainable Agriculture (NMSA) is one of the eight missions under the National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC) initiated by the Government of India. NMSA was launched in 2010 with the objective of promoting sustainable agriculture practices, enhancing productivity, and adapting to climate change challenges in the agricultural sector.

15. Key objectives of the National Mission for Sustainable Agriculture: Adaptation to Climate Change: NM SA aims to promote climate-resilient agricultural practices by providing support for the adoption of climate-smart technologies and techniques. It focuses on developing climate-resilient crops, improving water management, and promoting soil health management. Conservation of Natural Resources: The mission emphasizes the conservation and efficient utilization of natural resources such as soil, water, and biodiversity. It promotes the adoption of resource-efficient practices like conservation agriculture, precision farming, and agroforestry. Sustainable Crop Production: NMSA supports the adoption of sustainable crop production practices, including the use of organic farming methods, integrated pest management, and improved seed varieties. It promotes the judicious use of agrochemicals and encourages the adoption of organic and natural farming approaches. Capacity Building and Knowledge Dissemination: NMSA focuses on capacity building activities to enhance the knowledge and skills of farmers, extension workers, and other stakeholders. It promotes the dissemination of information, best practices, and technology advancements through training programs, workshops, and farmer field schools. Market Linkages and Value Addition: The mission emphasizes the development of market linkages and value addition in agriculture. It supports the establishment of agribusiness infrastructure, cold chains, and post-harvest management facilities to reduce post-harvest losses and increase farmers' income. Institutional Support: NMSA works towards strengthening the institutional framework for sustainable agriculture . It aims to improve coordination among different stakeholders, including government agencies, research institutions, NGOs, and farmers' organizations. The National Mission for Sustainable Agriculture operates through various programs and sub-schemes implemented by different government departments and agencies. It plays a crucial role in promoting sustainable and climate-resilient agriculture practices

16. in India, ensuring the long-term sustainability and viability of the agricultural sector in the face of climate change. These are just a few examples of the government schemes for farmers in India . The government regularly introduces new initiatives and programs to address various challenges faced by farmers and promote agricultural growth and welfare in the country.