Introduction

Agriculture is a key sector in India, contributing significantly to the economy and employing nearly 50% of the population. However, farmers often struggle with issues such as low productivity, lack of infrastructure, outdated technology, and market fluctuations.

To address these challenges and boost agricultural growth, the Government of India launched the Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (RKVY) in 2007-08. This initiative aims to promote holistic agricultural development by providing financial support to states for implementing innovative, need-based projects.

RKVY is designed to ensure food security, increase farmers’ income, and strengthen agricultural infrastructure across India.

In this article, we will explore the objectives, key features, components, benefits, challenges, and impact of the RKVY scheme.

What is Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (RKVY)?

The Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (RKVY) is a central government scheme that provides financial assistance to states to develop and implement agriculture and allied sector projects. The scheme follows a decentralized approach, allowing states to plan and execute agricultural initiatives based on their local needs and priorities.

Since its inception in 2007, RKVY has played a crucial role in modernizing Indian agriculture, enhancing productivity, and promoting farmer welfare.

The scheme is implemented by the Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers' Welfare and follows a flexible, demand-driven model that empowers states to undertake projects that best suit their agro-climatic conditions.

Objectives of RKVY

The primary objectives of the Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (RKVY) are:

✅ Encourage States to Prioritize Agriculture – Ensure increased investment in agriculture and allied sectors.
✅ Boost Farmers’ Income – Help farmers earn higher profits through better productivity and market linkages.
✅ Improve Agricultural Infrastructure – Develop warehouses, irrigation systems, cold storage, and rural roads.
✅ Promote Modern Technology – Encourage the adoption of new farming techniques, mechanization, and digital tools.
✅ Support Allied Sectors – Strengthen activities like horticulture, animal husbandry, fisheries, and agroforestry.
✅ Ensure Food Security – Increase agricultural output to meet national food demand.
✅ Encourage Innovation – Fund pilot projects and research to introduce new farming models.

RKVY follows a flexible approach, ensuring that states have autonomy in planning and executing agricultural initiatives based on their unique requirements.

Key Features of RKVY

🔹 100% Central Government Funded (Initially) – The central government fully funded the scheme in its early years. However, since 2015, it follows a 60:40 cost-sharing model between the Centre and States (90:10 for Himalayan & Northeastern states).
🔹 State-Led Planning – Each state identifies priority areas and submits proposals to receive funds.
🔹 Flexibility in Implementation – States can allocate funds to areas needing improvement, ensuring customized solutions.
🔹 Focus on Infrastructure Development – Financial aid is provided for irrigation, storage, farm mechanization, etc.
🔹 Support for Innovation – Encourages new farming techniques, digital agriculture, and research-based projects.
🔹 Holistic Agricultural Development – Covers crops, livestock, fisheries, agroforestry, and allied activities.

RKVY allows states to focus on their specific agricultural needs rather than following a one-size-fits-all approach.

Components of RKVY

RKVY has undergone several modifications since its launch. The current version, RKVY-RAFTAAR (Remunerative Approaches for Agriculture and Allied Sector Rejuvenation), has three major components:

1️⃣ RKVY-RAFTAAR (2017-Present)

🔹 Infrastructure & Assets Development – Focuses on building warehouses, irrigation systems, cold storage, and rural connectivity.
🔹 Value Addition & Market Linkages – Supports food processing units, supply chains, and direct farmer-to-market systems.
🔹 Innovation & Agri-Entrepreneurship – Funds startups, incubators, and innovative projects in agriculture.

2️⃣ Special Sub-Schemes Under RKVY

Apart from the core components, several sub-schemes operate under RKVY, such as:

📌 Bringing Green Revolution to Eastern India (BGREI) – Boosting agriculture in Bihar, West Bengal, Assam, etc.
📌 Per Drop More Crop – Promoting micro-irrigation and efficient water usage.
📌 Agriculture Mechanization – Helping farmers purchase modern equipment and tools.
📌 Integrated Farming Systems – Encouraging diversified farming practices for better income.

3️⃣ RKVY Sub-Schemes for Specific Sectors

📌 Dairy Development & Livestock Promotion
📌 Horticulture Growth & Organic Farming
📌 Fisheries & Aquaculture Expansion
📌 Agroforestry & Soil Conservation

These components ensure comprehensive agricultural growth and rural prosperity.

Benefits of RKVY for Farmers & States

✅ For Farmers

✔ Access to Better Infrastructure – Improved warehouses, roads, irrigation, and storage facilities.
✔ Higher Crop Yields – Support for modern farming techniques boosts productivity.
✔ Market Linkages – Easier access to buyers, traders, and processing units.
✔ Financial Assistance – Subsidies and funding for equipment, seeds, fertilizers, and mechanization.
✔ Diversified Income – Encouragement for animal husbandry, fisheries, and agro-processing.

✅ For States

✔ More Investment in Agriculture – Increased budget allocation for state-level agri-projects.
✔ Freedom to Choose Priorities – States can focus on their unique agricultural needs.
✔ Technology Advancement – Promotion of AI, IoT, and digital farming solutions.
✔ Employment Generation – New opportunities in agriculture, food processing, and logistics.

RKVY empowers both farmers and state governments, ensuring sustainable agricultural development.

Challenges & Limitations of RKVY

🔴 Uneven Implementation – Some states fail to utilize allocated funds effectively.
🔴 Lack of Awareness – Many farmers don’t know how to access benefits under RKVY.
🔴 Infrastructure Gaps – Poor rural connectivity and cold storage facilities affect supply chains.
🔴 Delays in Fund Disbursement – Bureaucratic hurdles slow down project execution.
🔴 Climate Challenges – Unpredictable weather conditions impact productivity.

To address these challenges, the government is improving outreach programs, promoting digital platforms, and ensuring faster fund allocation.

Conclusion

The Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (RKVY) is a vital initiative that has transformed agriculture in India by improving infrastructure, technology adoption, and financial support for farmers.

By modernizing farming practices, strengthening market linkages, and promoting innovation, RKVY has significantly boosted agricultural productivity and farmer incomes.

However, for maximum impact, state governments, farmers, and policymakers must work together to ensure effective implementation and long-term sustainability of agricultural projects under RKVY.

For more details, visit: https://rkvy.nic.in

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