Introduction

Agriculture is the backbone of India’s economy, contributing significantly to GDP and providing livelihoods to millions of people. To support farmers and enhance agricultural productivity, the Government of India has launched various schemes focusing on financial assistance, crop insurance, irrigation, technological advancements, and welfare programs.

This article provides a detailed overview of key schemes available for farmers in India, their objectives, benefits, and impact on the agricultural sector.

1. Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN)

Objective:

PM-KISAN aims to provide direct income support to small and marginal farmers.

Key Features:

  • Eligible farmers receive ₹6,000 per year in three equal installments directly into their bank accounts.
  • The scheme benefits over 11 crore farmers across India.
  • The fund is 100% centrally sponsored by the Government of India.

Eligibility:

  • Small and marginal farmers with cultivable land.
  • Institutional landowners and income taxpayers are not eligible.

Impact:

  • Ensures financial security for farmers.
  • Helps in purchasing seeds, fertilizers, and other inputs.

2. Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY)

Objective:

PMFBY provides crop insurance to farmers, protecting them from financial losses due to natural calamities, pests, and diseases.

Key Features:

  • Covers losses due to floods, droughts, cyclones, and pest attacks.
  • Premium rates:
    • 2% for Kharif crops
    • 1.5% for Rabi crops
    • 5% for commercial/horticultural crops
  • The remaining premium is subsidized by the government.
  • Claims are settled directly in farmers' bank accounts.

Impact:

  • Provides financial security against crop losses.
  • Encourages farmers to invest in better agricultural practices.

3. Kisan Credit Card (KCC) Scheme

Objective:

To provide short-term credit to farmers for agricultural needs at low-interest rates.

Key Features:

  • Low-interest loans starting at 4% per annum (with timely repayment).
  • Credit limit up to ₹3 lakh for crops and animal husbandry.
  • Farmers can withdraw cash as needed using a KCC debit card.
  • Covers allied activities like dairy, fisheries, and poultry.

Impact:

  • Reduces dependency on informal lenders.
  • Helps in purchasing seeds, fertilizers, and machinery.

4. Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY)

Objective:

To ensure efficient water use in agriculture through better irrigation facilities.

Key Features:

  • Promotes drip irrigation and sprinkler systems.
  • Aims for "Per Drop More Crop" by improving water efficiency.
  • Financial assistance for farmers adopting modern irrigation methods.

Impact:

  • Enhances irrigation coverage.
  • Increases water conservation and reduces wastage.

5. Soil Health Card Scheme

Objective:

To provide farmers with detailed soil health reports and recommendations for optimal fertilizer use.

Key Features:

  • Soil samples are tested in laboratories.
  • Farmers receive soil health cards with guidance on fertilizer application.
  • Helps improve soil fertility and productivity.

Impact:

  • Reduces overuse of fertilizers.
  • Enhances soil quality and long-term sustainability.

6. Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana (PKVY)

Objective:

To promote organic farming and reduce dependence on chemical fertilizers.

Key Features:

  • Encourages group-based organic farming.
  • Provides financial support of ₹50,000 per hectare over three years.
  • Farmers are trained in organic certification and marketing.

Impact:

  • Encourages sustainable farming.
  • Helps farmers access premium markets for organic produce.

7. National Agriculture Market (e-NAM)

Objective:

To create a digital marketplace where farmers can sell their produce at better prices.

Key Features:

  • Online trading platform connecting farmers with buyers.
  • Reduces the role of middlemen and improves farmer profits.
  • Provides real-time price information to farmers.

Impact:

  • Ensures fair pricing and better market reach for farmers.
  • Encourages digital transactions and transparency.

8. Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (RKVY)

Objective:

To promote agriculture infrastructure and improve farming techniques.

Key Features:

  • Focuses on high-value crops, mechanization, and R&D.
  • State governments receive funds to implement innovative projects.
  • Includes subsidies for machinery, seeds, and fertilizers.

Impact:

  • Encourages states to adopt modern agriculture techniques.
  • Boosts overall farm productivity and income.

9. PM Kisan Maandhan Yojana (PM-KMY)

Objective:

To provide pension benefits to small and marginal farmers.

Key Features:

  • Farmers aged 18-40 years can enroll.
  • Monthly pension of ₹3,000 after the age of 60.
  • Farmers contribute a nominal monthly premium (₹55-₹200), with an equal government contribution.

Impact:

  • Ensures financial security in old age.
  • Encourages farmers to save for retirement.

10. Agricultural Infrastructure Fund (AIF)

Objective:

To provide funding support for building farm infrastructure such as warehouses, cold storage, and processing units.

Key Features:

  • Low-interest loans for agribusinesses and farmer groups.
  • Helps in reducing post-harvest losses and improving food storage.
  • ₹1 lakh crore fund for supporting infrastructure development.

Impact:

  • Strengthens rural infrastructure.
  • Enhances market linkages for farmers.

Challenges in Implementation of Agricultural Schemes

  1. Awareness Gap: Many farmers are unaware of the schemes due to lack of information.
  2. Bureaucratic Delays: Paperwork and slow implementation delay benefits.
  3. Connectivity Issues: Digital platforms like e-NAM require internet access, which is limited in rural areas.
  4. Middlemen Interference: Traditional market systems sometimes resist change due to vested interests.
  5. Fragmented Land Holdings: Small land parcels make large-scale farming inefficient.

Future Prospects for Farmer Welfare in India

  • Technology Integration: AI, IoT, and blockchain in agriculture can improve efficiency.
  • Sustainable Farming: More emphasis on organic and climate-resilient agriculture.
  • Financial Inclusion: Expanding digital banking and credit access for rural farmers.
  • Global Market Access: Promoting exports and connecting farmers with international buyers.

Conclusion

The Indian government has introduced numerous farmer-friendly schemes to support the agricultural sector, improve productivity, and ensure financial security. However, successful implementation depends on awareness, accessibility, and continuous technological advancements. By leveraging these schemes effectively, farmers can achieve higher incomes, better yields, and long-term sustainability in agriculture.

For more details, visit:

Read about Centre of Excellence (CoE) Programs here

Got more questions regarding Indian government processes or schemes? Ask jaankaarbharat.com