Cabinet Approves PM-RKVY and Krishonnati Yojana for Sustainable Agriculture

The Union Cabinet has recently approved the Department of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare’s proposal to consolidate various Centrally Sponsored Schemes (CSS) into two main umbrella schemes: the Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (PM-RKVY) and the Krishonnati Yojana (KY). This strategic move aims to promote sustainable agriculture through PM-RKVY and enhance food security and agricultural self-sufficiency via KY. With a total proposed expenditure of ₹1,01,321.61 crore, these schemes will be executed by State Governments, ensuring continuity and effective implementation of existing initiatives.

Objectives of the Schemes

• PM Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (PM-RKVY): Focuses on promoting sustainable agricultural practices.
• Krishonnati Yojana (KY): Aims at achieving food security and self-sufficiency in agriculture.

Technological Integration

Both schemes will leverage advanced technology to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of their components, ensuring better outcomes for farmers.

Continuing Existing Initiatives

The new framework allows for the continuation of existing schemes while adopting a mission-mode approach for critical areas such as the National Mission for Edible Oil-Oil Palm (NMEO-OP), Clean Plant Program, Digital Agriculture, and the National Mission for Edible Oil-Oil Seeds (NMEO-OS). This consolidation reflects a commitment to improving farmer welfare and modernizing agricultural practices, linking past efforts to current needs for sustainability and food security.

Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (RKVY)

The Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (RKVY) – Remunerative Approaches for Agriculture and Allied Sector Rejuvenation (RAFTAAR) aims to enhance the economic viability of farming by supporting farmers, mitigating risks, and fostering agri-business entrepreneurship.

Basic Features

• Incentives for States: Encourages increased public investment in agriculture and allied sectors.
• Flexibility and Autonomy: Allows states to plan and execute agricultural schemes tailored to local needs and conditions.
• Localized Planning: Promotes the preparation of agricultural plans based on agro-climatic conditions and available resources.
• Yield Gap Reduction: Focuses on targeted interventions to close yield gaps in key crops.
• Maximizing Farmer Returns: Aims to improve profitability in agriculture and allied sectors.
• Holistic Approach: Addresses various agricultural components to achieve measurable improvements in production and productivity.

Funding Pattern

• North East States: 90% funding from the central government and 10% from the state government.
• Union Territories: 100% funding from the central government.
• Other States: 60% funding from the central government and 40% from the state government.

Project Approval Process

• State Level Project Screening Committee (SLPSC): Constituted to screen project proposals, headed by the Agriculture Production Commissioner or a designated officer.
• State Level Sanctioning Committee (SLSC): Responsible for approving projects recommended by SLPSC, chaired by the Chief Secretary and includes a representative from the central government.

Here’s the table with key points relevant for exams:

Key Points	Details
Why in News	Cabinet approves PM-RKVY and Krishonnati Yojana for sustainable agriculture with ₹1,01,321.61 crore expenditure.
Schemes	1. PM-RKVY (Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana) 2. Krishonnati Yojana (KY)
Total Expenditure	₹1,01,321.61 crore
Execution	Schemes to be executed by State Governments.
PM-RKVY Objective	Focus on promoting sustainable agricultural practices.
KY Objective	Aims for food security and self-sufficiency in agriculture.
Technological Integration	Both schemes will use advanced technology to improve efficiency and outcomes.
Continuing Existing Initiatives	NMEO-OP, Clean Plant Program, Digital Agriculture, NMEO-OS will continue under the new framework.
RKVY (RAFTAAR) Features	– Incentives for States – Flexibility for local plans – Focus on yield gap reduction – Profitability improvement
Funding Pattern	– North East States: 90% central, 10% state – Union Territories: 100% central – Other States: 60% central, 40% state
Approval Process	State Level Project Screening Committee (SLPSC) and State Level Sanctioning Committee (SLSC).
Key Focus Areas of RKVY	– Agri-business entrepreneurship – Risk mitigation for farmers – Targeted interventions for yield gap reduction