Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (RKVY)

India is primarily an agricultural nation. Recognizing the critical role farming plays in our economy and food security, the government introduced the Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (RKVY) in 2007. This scheme provides financial and technical support to state governments and farmers and promotes agricultural growth and rural development. Let’s explore the initiative’s objectives, components, benefits, and eligibility criteria.

What is RKVY?

Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana literally translates to National Agricultural Development Scheme. As the name suggests, its primary goal is to enhance the productivity of major crops and ensure farmers receive fair compensation for their produce. RKVY also strives to generate employment opportunities within rural areas, bridge the gap in agricultural development across diverse regions in India, and encourage investments in the agricultural sector.

The program has been implemented across all Indian states and union territories and has led to a rise in the production of principal crops like rice, wheat, pulses, and cotton. It has also created job opportunities in rural areas, fostering agricultural advancements.

Key Components of RKVY

RKVY functions through a three-pronged approach, providing financial aid to state governments and union territories for investments in agricultural development projects. These components include:

• Investment in Agriculture and Allied Sectors: This component aims to strengthen infrastructure, research and development initiatives, and other services crucial for agricultural advancement.
• Human Resource Development: This facet emphasizes training and capacity-building programs for farmers and other related workers, strengthening them with the latest knowledge and techniques. It also considers the importance of a skilled workforce.
• Technology Transfer and Dissemination: RKVY bridges the gap between innovation and implementation by promoting technology parks, knowledge management systems, and information and communication technology (ICT) applications within the agricultural sector.

The Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare oversees the successful implementation of the RKVY scheme.

Features of RKVY

The Government of India strategically designed RKVY with the following core features:

• Investment Support: RKVY provides financial aid to states to boost public investments in agriculture. This includes infrastructure development, research and development activities, and capacity-building initiatives.
• Incentives: The scheme incentivizes states to undertake crucial agricultural reforms, such as decentralizing the agricultural marketing system, attracting private sector investments in agriculture, and streamlining the procurement and distribution of agrarian inputs.
• Monitoring and Evaluation: RKVY has established a strong monitoring and evaluation process to track the scheme’s progress at the state and national levels. This ensures transparency and accountability in funds utilization.

Benefits of Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana

Since its inception, the RKVY scheme has contributed to the growth and development of Indian agriculture. These are the key benefits it offers:

• Employment Generation: RKVY has created substantial employment opportunities in the agricultural sector.
• Enhanced Production: The scheme has resulted in a significant rise in the production of food grains and other agricultural products, strengthening national food security.
• Infrastructure Development: RKVY has played a pivotal role in strengthening agricultural infrastructure, creating a more robust foundation for the sector.
• Rural Economy Boost: The scheme has supported agricultural activities and greatly contributed to the rural economy’s development.
• Increased Farmer Income: By improving agricultural productivity and market access, RKVY has helped increase farmers’ incomes, resulting in a better standard of living.
• Resource Conservation: The program promotes sustainable agricultural practices, leading to the conservation of valuable natural resources.

Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana Eligibility

The RKVY program reaches a broad base of beneficiaries and provides funding for irrigation systems, drainage improvements, land development projects, watershed management, and farm machinery. It also extends financial aid to horticulture, animal husbandry, fisheries, and integrating trees into farms (agroforestry).

• Farmers: Individual farmers and farmer groups can benefit from the scheme.
• Indian Residents: Applicants must be residents of India.
• Actively Engaged in Agriculture: The program is for individuals actively involved in agricultural activities within the country.
• Valid Bank Account: A valid bank account is a prerequisite for receiving financial assistance.

Rebranding to Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana - Raftaar

In 2017, the RKVY scheme evolved into Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana–Remunerative Approaches for Agriculture and Allied Sector Rejuvenation (RAFTAAR). This rebranding emphasizes:

• Making Farming Profitable: RKVY-RAFTAAR intends to make agriculture a financially beneficial economic activity by empowering farmers, mitigating risks, and supporting agri-business ventures.
• State Flexibility and Autonomy: States are granted flexibility and autonomy in planning and executing agricultural development programs under RKVY-RAFTAAR
• Local Focus & Needs: This ensures that agricultural plans consider each region’s climate, resources, and crop needs. It also ensures that state plans prioritize the crops and address the issues most important to their farmers.
• Closing the Yield Gap: Provides targeted support to fill the gap between potential and actual crop yields.
• Holistic Approach: The scheme addresses all aspects of agriculture and allied sectors for measurable production and efficiency improvements.

Conclusion

The Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (RKVY), later revamped as RKVY-RAFTAAR, is a comprehensive program for propelling India’s agricultural sector forward. It provides financial and technical support to states and farmers and addresses critical aspects like infrastructure development, skill development, and technology adoption. The scheme increased production, farmer income, rural development, and resource conservation. As India strives for agricultural sustainability and food security, RKVY-RAFTAAR’s focus on empowering states and addressing local needs paves the way for a brighter future for the nation’s farmers and farming sector.

FAQs

Q1. Who introduced the Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana?

Ans. The program was implemented by the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare.

Q2. Can individual farmers directly benefit from the RKVY scheme?

Ans. RKVY does not have a direct application process for individual farmers but provides funding to state governments for agricultural development initiatives. To avail of these benefits, farmers can approach the state’s Agriculture Department for loans, subsidies, or agricultural supplies based on RKVY funding and specific programs within a state. 

Q3. Is there an age limit for applying for RKVY benefits?

Ans. There’s no specific upper age limit for participating in RKVY programs. However, since it targets individuals engaged in agricultural activities, being a minor would likely disqualify you.

Q4. Are there any fees associated with RKVY?

Ans. No, applying for RKVY benefits shouldn’t involve any application fees.