India is predominantly an agricultural country, with more than half of the population depending on it for their livelihoods. However, the sector has been facing numerous challenges such as declining soil fertility, water scarcity, inadequate infrastructure, and inadequate investment. To address these issues, the Indian government has launched several agricultural development schemes, and one such scheme is the Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (RKVY).
What is the Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (RKVY)?
The Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (RKVY) is a state plan scheme launched by the Government of India in 2007-08. The objective of this scheme is to strengthen and promote the agriculture sector by providing financial assistance to states for implementing innovative projects and initiatives.
Objectives of RKVY
The main objectives of the Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana are as follows:
- To enhance the overall growth rate of agriculture and allied sectors.
- To incentivize states to increase public investment in agriculture and allied sectors.
- To create sustainable agriculture practices and enhance the income of farmers.
- To promote research and development activities in agriculture and allied sectors.
- To promote private sector investment in agriculture and allied sectors.
Implementation of RKVY
The Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana is implemented by the Department of Agriculture, Cooperation and Farmers Welfare, Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Government of India. The scheme is implemented in all states and Union Territories of India.
Under the scheme, the central government provides financial assistance to states in the ratio of 60:40 for general states, and 90:10 for northeastern states, Himalayan states, and Union Territories. The funds are allocated to states based on their agricultural production and other factors such as performance and utilization of funds.
Components of RKVY
The Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana has several components that cover various aspects of agricultural development. Some of the components of the scheme are:
Agriculture Marketing Infrastructure (AMI)
Under this component, funds are provided for the development of agricultural markets, cold storage facilities, and other related infrastructure.
Research and Development
Funds are provided for promoting research and development activities in agriculture and allied sectors, and to support the development of new and innovative technologies.
Strengthening of Agriculture Extension
This component focuses on strengthening the agricultural extension system to provide technical assistance to farmers, enhance their skills and knowledge, and promote the adoption of new technologies and practices.
Agricultural Education
Funds are provided for promoting agricultural education and training programs to enhance the skills and knowledge of farmers, and to develop a skilled workforce in the agricultural sector.
Benefits of RKVY
The Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana has several benefits for the agricultural sector and farmers. Some of the benefits of the scheme are:
- It promotes sustainable agriculture practices and enhances the income of farmers.
- It encourages states to increase public investment in agriculture and allied sectors.
- It provides financial assistance for the development of agricultural infrastructure such as markets and cold storage facilities.
- It promotes research and development activities in agriculture and allied sectors, which can lead to the development of new and innovative technologies.
- It strengthens the agricultural extension system to provide technical assistance to farmers.
Conclusion
The Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana is an important agricultural development scheme launched by the Government of India. The scheme has several components that cover various aspects of agricultural development such as marketing infrastructure, research and development, extension services, and education. The scheme provides financial assistance to states to promote sustainable agriculture practices and enhance the income of farmers, increase public investment in agriculture and allied sectors, and promote the adoption of new technologies and practices. By implementing the RKVY, the government aims to achieve its goal of doubling farmers’ income by 2022.
FAQs
- What is the objective of the Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana? The objective of the Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana is to strengthen and promote the agriculture sector by providing financial assistance to states for implementing innovative projects and initiatives.
- How is the RKVY implemented? The Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana is implemented by the Department of Agriculture, Cooperation and Farmers Welfare, Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Government of India. The scheme is implemented in all states and Union Territories of India.
- What are the components of RKVY? The components of the Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana include Agriculture Marketing Infrastructure, Research and Development, Strengthening of Agriculture Extension, and Agricultural Education.
- What are the benefits of RKVY? The benefits of the Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana include the promotion of sustainable agriculture practices, the enhancement of farmers’ income, increased public investment in agriculture and allied sectors, the development of new and innovative technologies, and the strengthening of the agricultural extension system.