Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (RKVY)

Launched in 2007, Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (RKVY) is a flagship scheme by the Government of India to ensure holistic development of agriculture and allied sectors. This article explores RKVY’s objectives, components, benefits, and impact on Indian agriculture.

Introduction

India’s agriculture sector plays a pivotal role in the nation’s economy and food security. To empower farmers and ensure sustainable agricultural growth, the Government of India launched the Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (RKVY) in 2007. This article delves into the details of RKVY, its objectives, components, and its impact on Indian agriculture.

Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (RKVY), also known as the National Agriculture Development Program, is a centrally sponsored scheme launched by the Government of India in 2007. The scheme aims to provide financial support to states and union territories to develop agriculture and allied sectors. RKVY has been revamped as Remunerative Approaches for Agriculture and Allied Sector Rejuvenation (RKVY-RAFTAAR) since 2017-18, with a focus on pre & post-harvest infrastructure, agri-entrepreneurship, innovations, and value addition

What is Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (RKVY)?

RKVY is an umbrella scheme implemented by the Department of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare (DA&FW), Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare. It aims to ensure holistic development of agriculture and allied sectors like fisheries, animal husbandry, horticulture, etc.

Objectives of RKVY

RKVY has several key objectives aimed at revitalizing the Indian agricultural sector:

Incentivize Public Investment: Encourage states to increase public spending on agriculture and allied sectors.
State Autonomy and Flexibility: Empower states to plan and execute agricultural development schemes based on their specific needs and agro-climatic conditions.
District and State Level Planning: Promote agriculture planning at district and state levels, considering local resources, technology availability, and climatic conditions.
Sustainable Growth: Encourage sustainable agricultural practices that ensure long-term productivity and environmental protection.
Improved Livelihoods for Farmers: Enhance farmers’ income and improve their overall livelihood through various initiatives.

Components of RKVY

RKVY has undergone several revisions since its inception. Currently, it functions as the RKVY Cafeteria Scheme, offering states a menu of options to choose from:

Annual Action Plan (AAP): This component focuses on priority areas determined by individual states. It can include initiatives like promoting soil health, water management, organic farming, and market linkages for farmers.
Detailed Project Reports (DPRs): States can submit DPRs for specific, large-scale projects requiring significant investment. These projects could focus on infrastructure development, processing units, or research and development in agriculture.
Administration, Monitoring & Evaluation (AME): This component ensures proper implementation, monitoring, and evaluation of RKVY schemes across states.

Benefits of RKVY

RKVY has played a significant role in empowering Indian agriculture by offering several benefits:

Increased Public Investment: RKVY has incentivized states to allocate more resources to agriculture, leading to increased spending on critical areas.
State-Specific Development: By granting states autonomy, RKVY allows for targeted interventions suited to local needs and challenges.
Improved Farm Practices: The scheme promotes sustainable practices like soil health management, water conservation techniques, and organic farming, leading to long-term agricultural growth.
Market Linkages for Farmers: RKVY initiatives help farmers connect directly with markets, reducing post-harvest losses and improving their income.
Technology Adoption: The scheme encourages the adoption of new technologies in agriculture, such as precision farming and improved irrigation systems.

Impact of RKVY on Indian Agriculture

Since its launch, RKVY has had a notable impact on Indian agriculture:

Increased Agricultural Growth: The scheme has contributed to a rise in agricultural production and overall growth of the sector.
Empowered Farmers: RKVY initiatives have helped farmers improve their income, knowledge base, and access to resources.
Enhanced Sustainability: The scheme promotes sustainable agricultural practices, contributing to environmental protection and long-term productivity.
Bridging the Gap Between States: RKVY helps bridge the gap between developed and developing agricultural states by providing targeted support.

Challenges and Future of RKVY

Despite its successes, RKVY faces some challenges:

Effective Implementation: Ensuring efficient and transparent implementation of schemes across diverse states is crucial.
Reaching Small and Marginal Farmers: Reaching out to small and marginal farmers and ensuring they benefit from the scheme requires additional efforts.
Sustainability of Schemes: Long-term sustainability of RKVY initiatives and their impact on farmers’ livelihoods needs to be monitored.

Looking ahead, RKVY is expected to continue playing a vital role in propelling Indian agriculture towards greater sustainability, profitability, and resilience. Continuous improvement and adaptation will be essential for the scheme to address emerging challenges and empower future generations of farmers

Funding Pattern of RKVY

The funding pattern of RKVY has been altered over the years. From 2015-16 onwards, the funding pattern has been changed from 100% funding by the Central Government to a ratio of 60:40 between the Centre and States (90:10 for North-Eastern and Himalayan States). However, funding pattern to UTs continued as 100% by the Central Government.

FAQ’s

Who is eligible for RKVY benefits?

RKVY benefits are primarily targeted towards farmers, agricultural laborers, and stakeholders engaged in allied sectors like fisheries, animal husbandry, and horticulture. Specific eligibility criteria for individual schemes may vary depending on the state and type of intervention.

How can I apply for RKVY benefits?

RKVY is not a direct beneficiary scheme. Farmers and stakeholders should contact their local agricultural department or Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs) for information on ongoing RKVY initiatives in their state. These agencies can guide them on the application process for specific schemes.

What are the different types of RKVY schemes?

As mentioned earlier, RKVY operates as a Cafeteria Scheme, offering states a menu of options to choose from. These options include Annual Action Plans (AAP) focusing on priority areas, Detailed Project Reports (DPRs) for large-scale projects, and Administration, Monitoring & Evaluation (AME) activities.

Where can I find more information about RKVY?

Several resources offer information on RKVY. You can visit the official website of the Department of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare (DA&FW) https://rkvy.nic.in/index.html or your state’s agriculture department website. Additionally, Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs) can provide localized information and guidance on relevant RKVY schemes.

Conclusion

The Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (RKVY) has emerged as a significant force in propelling Indian agriculture towards a brighter future. By incentivizing public investment, empowering states, and promoting sustainable practices, RKVY has yielded positive results in terms of increased production, empowered farmers, and improved environmental practices. Addressing implementation challenges, ensuring inclusivity for small and marginal farmers, and maintaining the long-term viability of schemes will be crucial for RKVY’s continued success. As India strives for agricultural growth and food security, RKVY’s adaptability and focus on innovation will be key to its role in shaping the future of Indian agriculture.