The demand for agriculture in India remains high due to its crucial role in the country’s economy and the sustenance of its large population. With agriculture contributing significantly to food production, employment, and rural livelihoods, the demand for agricultural products, technology, and modernization continues to be a priority for India’s growth and development. Schemes help farmers in several ways such as technology adoption, risk mitigation, market access, sustainable agriculture, and more.

Top 10 Schemes For Farmers In India

So, let’s discover the top schemes tailored for farmers across diverse agricultural sectors. Explore initiatives that empower and support farmers in horticulture, livestock, fisheries, and more, providing essential insights into the best programs aimed at enhancing their livelihoods and agricultural practices.

Crop Insurance Schemes 

The government has introduced four distinct insurance schemes aimed at providing support to farmers. These schemes include the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY), the Weather-based Crop Insurance Scheme (WBCIS), the Coconut Palm Insurance Scheme (CPIS), and the Pilot Unified Package Insurance Scheme (UPIS), which is currently operational in 45 districts. For farmers who have obtained crop loans for specified crops, it is mandatory to be covered under PMFBY, WBCIS, CPIS, or UPIS. However, for those farmers who do not have crop loans, the decision to enroll in these insurance schemes is voluntary.

Interest Subvention For Dairy Sector 

The Indian Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry, and Dairying has introduced the “Interest Subvention on Working Capital Loans for Dairy Sector” initiative to combat the economic impact of Covid-19 on the dairy sector. Administered by the National Dairy Development Board, this scheme, originally launched in 2020-21 and extended until 2025-26 with a budget of Rs. 500 Crore, benefits Dairy Cooperatives and farmer-owned milk producer organizations. It provides a 2% per annum interest subvention on working capital loans from various financial institutions to support milk processing activities. Additionally, there’s an extra 2% interest subvention as an incentive for prompt loan repayment and interest servicing.

KCC For Animal Husbandry And Fisheries 

The initiative aims to provide prompt and adequate credit support to farmers in Animal Husbandry and Fisheries. Eligible beneficiaries include various categories of farmers, fishers, and groups involved in livestock and fisheries activities. Loan amounts vary, with farmers having Kisan Credit Cards (KCC) seeing potential credit limit increases, especially those supplying milk directly to Milk Unions. KCC holders can receive a 2% per annum interest subvention at loan disbursal and an additional 3% per annum incentive for timely repayment for Animal Husbandry activities. The goal is to support these sectors and encourage prompt loan repayment to enhance financial stability for farmers.

Krishi UDAN Scheme 

The Krishi UDAN Scheme was introduced in August 2020 with the goal of aiding farmers in transporting agricultural goods, both domestically and internationally, to enhance their earnings. The primary objective of this initiative is to ensure efficient, affordable, and timely air transportation services, along with related logistics support, specifically for agricultural products originating from regions like the Northeast, hilly areas, and tribal areas within the country.

Key Objectives of the Krishi UDAN Scheme

1. Increase the use of air transportation for agricultural products like horticulture, fisheries, livestock, and processed items.
2. Promote better coordination among stakeholders to develop sustainable agricultural value chains by:

• Expanding domestic and international air connectivity between origin and destination airports.
• Improving infrastructure and cargo handling for agricultural products at airports.
• Focus on air transport of organic and natural products from specific regions.
• Enhancing mapping of production centers to match market demand.
• Ensure smooth export supply chains through quarantine procedures.
• Enable paperless and contactless interactions through digital integration.

Mission Amrit Sarovar 

The Mission Amrit Sarovar initiative, launched on April 24, 2022, aims to preserve water resources for the future. It focuses on revitalizing and developing 75 water bodies in every rural district across India, totalling approximately 50,000 such water bodies nationwide. The mission has set a deadline for completion by August 15, 2023, as part of the Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav celebration.

The key benefits of this initiative include:

• The construction of Amrit Sarovars, each occupying at least 1 acre of land and having a water capacity of approximately 10,000 cubic meters.
• In cases where a district cannot create new Amrit Sarovars, they have the option to focus on the restoration and rejuvenation of existing water structures, thereby enhancing their ecological and functional value.
• The selection of Amrit Sarovar sites will be determined by a special Gram Sabha, which will also appoint Panchayat Partinidhi to oversee the development of these water bodies.
• Funding for this endeavour can be sourced from various channels, including Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (NREGS), XV Finance Commission Grants, PMKSY-WDC, PMKSY-HKKP-RRR, or similar schemes provided by the State or Central Government, either individually or in combination.

National Beekeeping and Honey Mission 

In 2019-20, India’s Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare launched the National Beekeeping and Honey Mission (NBHM), a centrally funded initiative. Administered by the National Bee Board, it aims to promote scientific beekeeping and entrepreneurship among small farmers, improve post-harvest management, and support research and development. The NBHM covers various activities, including capacity building, training (with a focus on women), input assistance, establishing Integrated Beekeeping Development Centers (IBDCs), digitization, processing, value addition, market support, and research. Beneficiaries include individuals, groups, cooperatives, and governmental organizations, all contributing to achieving the “Sweet Revolution” goal in beekeeping and honey production.

PM Kisan Maan Dhan Yojana 

The government introduced the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Maan Dhan Yojana (PM-KMY) on September 12, 2019, with the aim of offering financial security to small and marginal farmers during their old age when they may lack a source of income and have minimal or no savings to cover their expenses.

Benefits:

Through this program, small and marginal farmers are entitled to a fixed pension of at least Rs. 3,000 per month when they reach the age of 60, with certain exclusion criteria in place. This pension scheme operates on a voluntary and contributory basis, where eligible farmers are required to make monthly contributions to a Pension Fund, ranging from Rs. 55 to Rs. 200, depending on their age at enrollment. The Central Government also matches the farmer’s contribution to the Pension Fund.

Eligibility:

1. Small and Marginal Farmer (SMF): Farmers who own cultivable land up to 2 hectares, as per the land records of their respective State/UT.
2. Age between 18 and 40 years.

Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi 

The Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN) is a fresh Central Sector Initiative designed to offer income assistance to every landholding farmer family across the nation. This support aims to bolster their financial resources for acquiring agricultural inputs, engaging in allied activities, and fulfilling domestic requirements. Through the PM-KISAN scheme, all eligible farmer families will receive an annual financial benefit of Rs. 6,000 per family, disbursed in three equal installments of Rs. 2,000 each, distributed every four months.

How to Apply For PM-Kisan?

1. Eligible farmers have the option to submit their necessary information to village Patwaris, revenue officials, or designated officers/agencies for application.
2. Farmers can alternatively register for the scheme by visiting their nearest Common Service Centres (CSCs) and paying the requisite fees.
3. Farmers also have the option of self-registration through the Farmers Corner on the PM KISAN portal. To check the status of their registration, they can click here.
4. The required details for registration include Name, Age, Gender, Category (SC/ST), Aadhaar Number (or Aadhaar Enrollment Number in case an Aadhaar Number hasn’t been issued yet), along with any other prescribed identification documents for verification, such as a Driving Licence, Voters’ ID Card, NREGA Job Card, or any other identification documents issued by Central/State/UT Governments or their authorities, etc. Additionally, beneficiaries should provide their Bank Account Number and Mobile Number during the registration process.

Vibrant Villages Programme

In February 2023, the Union Cabinet granted approval for the “Vibrant Villages Programme” (VVP), a Centrally Sponsored Scheme spanning from the financial years 2022-23 to 2025-26, with a budget allocation of Rs. 4800 Crore. The program’s primary objective is to comprehensively develop villages located in northern border areas, thereby enhancing the quality of life for the residents of these identified border villages.

What is the aim of Vibrant Villages Programme?

The scheme’s execution involves identifying and nurturing economic drivers based on local resources, adopting a “Hub and Spoke Model” for growth centers, promoting social entrepreneurship, empowering youth and women through skill development, harnessing tourism potential by highlighting local culture and heritage, and fostering sustainable eco-agribusinesses through community-based organizations, cooperatives, self-help groups, and NGOs. Vibrant Village Action Plans will be formulated by district administrations in collaboration with Gram Panchayats, ensuring full coverage of central and state schemes.

What is the expected Outcome of Vibrant Villages Programme?

The expected outcomes encompass improved all-weather road connectivity, access to clean drinking water, 24×7 electricity with a focus on solar and wind energy, as well as enhanced mobile and internet connectivity. Additionally, the program will establish tourist centers, multipurpose facilities, and health and wellness centers, with a significant portion of the allocated funds, amounting to Rs. 2500 Crore, designated for road infrastructure development.

Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchai Yojana 

On July 1, 2015, the Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY) was initiated with the objective of ‘Har Khet ko Pani,’ aiming to offer comprehensive solutions for the entire irrigation supply chain, encompassing water resources, distribution networks, farm-level applications, and the enhancement of water usage efficiency. The program promotes micro irrigation (MI) to ensure the maximization of crop yield with minimal water consumption, adhering to the principle of ‘Per Drop – More Crop’ (PDMC).

Source : Krishi Jagran First published on: 03 Oct 2023,