Pradhan Mantri–Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana

Recently, the Union Ministry of Agriculture proposed merging three ongoing schemes with the flagship Pradhan Mantri-Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (PM-RKVY).

This move aims to improve efficiency, streamline implementation, and enhance agricultural growth outcomes.

About Pradhan Mantri–Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana

The Pradhan Mantri–Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (PM-RKVY) is a Centrally Sponsored Scheme (CSS) implemented by the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare.

The scheme is designed to:

• Accelerate agricultural growth,

• Improve farmers’ income,

• Strengthen agricultural infrastructure and productivity.

It reflects the government’s commitment to making agriculture more sustainable, profitable, and resilient.

Objectives of PM-RKVY

The major objectives of the scheme include:

1. Increasing Public Investment

To encourage states to increase public investment in agriculture and allied sectors.

2. Enhancing Productivity

To improve agricultural productivity and overall farm growth across regions.

3. Strengthening Infrastructure

To develop agricultural and post-harvest infrastructure, thereby reducing losses and improving supply chains.

4. Promoting Diversification

To promote diversification into high-value crops, horticulture, livestock, and fisheries, enhancing income opportunities.

5. Encouraging Innovation

To support the adoption of modern, innovative, and climate-resilient farming practices.

6. Reducing Regional Disparities

To address regional imbalances in agricultural development.

Key Features of PM-RKVY

1. State-Led and Decentralized Approach

The scheme provides states with flexibility to design and implement projects according to local needs and priorities. This promotes a bottom-up planning model.

2. Growth-Oriented Focus

PM-RKVY aims to achieve a sustained annual growth rate of around 4% in agriculture and allied sectors.

3. Wide Sectoral Coverage

The scheme covers a broad range of sectors, including:

• Crop production,

• Horticulture,

• Livestock,

• Fisheries,

• Organic farming,

• Agricultural research,

• Marketing infrastructure.

4. Incentive-Based Funding

Financial assistance to states is linked to their commitment to increasing public investment in agriculture, thereby encouraging proactive policy action.

Funding Pattern

The funding pattern under PM-RKVY varies by category of state:

• General States: 60% Central Government and 40% State Government.

• North-Eastern and Hilly States: 90% Central Government and 10% State Government.

• Union Territories: 100% Central funding.

This differentiated pattern supports balanced regional development.

Significance

PM-RKVY plays a crucial role in:

• Strengthening agricultural infrastructure,

• Promoting income diversification for farmers,

• Encouraging climate-resilient farming practices,

• Reducing regional inequalities in agriculture.

The proposed merger of schemes under PM-RKVY is expected to improve coordination, reduce duplication, and enhance the overall effectiveness of agricultural policy implementation.