Agriculture is an important component of Indian economy. As per 2018 records, agriculture takes up 50% of the livelihood of the country and contributes around 17-18% in GDP. With agriculture being a leading livelihood of so many people, the government has taken several steps to facilitate farming and support farmers by introducing various schemes. This article will be divided into two parts – agriculture related schemes and rural development programs started by the government. Some of the important schemes related to agriculture are given below:
Government schemes for Agriculture
- National Mission for Sustainable Agriculture (NMSA)
The National Mission for Sustainable Agriculture is a mission that comes under National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC). It is one among the eight missions of NAPCC that focuses on sustainable agriculture through measures that include adaptations to climate change, soil health and management and judicious use of resources. There are various schemes under NMSA.
- Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchai Yojana (PMKSY)
This yojana was launched on 1st July, 2015 with the motto to provide solutions in irrigation problems with the use of water distribution networks and practical application in farms. It aims to provide this by harnessing rain water at micro levels to increase water supply. Micro irrigation is achieved by the use of plans made in state and district levels. Its mottos are: “Har Khet ko Pani” and “Per drop more crop”.
- National Agriculture Market (e-NAM)
This scheme imbibes agriculture into the internet world and provides a digital platform for farmers. This leads to price discovery at better rates and competition between farmers all the while using complete transparency. With its motto of “One nation one market”, it helps farmers get better remuneration for their produce.
- Micro Irrigation Fund (MIF)
The MIF was created with NABARD with an initial investment of ₹5000 crore for encouraging investment in both private and public forums for micro level irrigation. It is formulated with the aim of facilitating the states in resource allocation for expanding coverage of micro irrigation.
- Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana (PKVJ)
This yojana was created with a view to increase and support organic farming in the country by increasing organic matter in the soils and subsequently improving soil health. This results in increase of net income of farmers as they release their produce at premium prices. The target is 5 lakh acres by 2017-18.
- National Watershed Development Project for Rainfed Areas (NWDPRA)
This scheme was launched in 1990-91 based on the concepts of watershed management and sustainable farming. It aims at conservation and sustainable management of natural resources, enhancement of agricultural produce, restoration of ecological balance in deprived areas, reduction in disparity between rainfed and irrigated areas and creation of employment opportunities for rural community.
- Dairy Entrepreneurship Development Scheme
This scheme is a government sponsored scheme partnered by NABARD. Its several aims include setting up of dairy farms for production of clean milk, conserving breeding stock, bring changes in rural structure for easy processing of the produced milk, to upgrade the technology to handle milk on a commercial scale and generate employment for the rural sector.
- Agriculture Contingency Plan
This plan aims at tackling erratic monsoons leading to either droughts or floods and other extreme situations affecting crops, livestock and other sources of food. In total, 614 contingency plans are placed in the ‘farmer’s portal’ in the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare website.
Government schemes on Rural development
The schemes related to rural development are given below:
- Gram Panchayat Development Plan Campaign
The GPDP Campaign is initiated under the “Sabki Yojana Sabka Vikas” scheme to promote rural panchayats as it will ensure judicious use of resources and maintain justice at the village level. It follows all the schemes set up by the central government and it facilitates convergence between Panchayati Raj Institutions and the concerned departments of state.
- Deen Dayal Antyodaya Yojana
This yojana was launched by Ministry of Rural Development in June 2011. It aims at improving the lifestyle of the rural sections by enhancing their livelihood using sustainable measures and increased household income. It plans to achieve this objective by providing access to lucrative self employment opportunities.
- Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA)
This act was initiated in 2005 to provide employment to the rural community. It provides 100 days of guaranteed employment to all adults who agree to do manual unskilled labour. This improves the livelihood of people and reduces unemployment in the country.
- Deen Dayal Upadhyay Grameen Kaushalya Yojana (DDUGKY)
The Ministry of Rural Development announced the DDUGKY scheme on 25th September 2014. This scheme, as part of skill India Programme, aims to improve the lives of rural youth between the ages of 15 and 35 years. It aims at adding diversity to the income of rural farmers and also in catering to the career developments of the rural youth.
- Saansad Adarsh Gram Yojana (SAGY)
This scheme focuses on developing the village scenario of the Indian society in various aspects including cultural development and social development. These developed villages are called as Adarsh Grams and these models are replicated in other local villages.
- National Social Assistance Programme (NSAP)
The NSAP is a social assistance programme which aims at developing poor households. It has three schemes under it: National Old Age Pension Scheme (NOAPS), National Family Benefit Scheme (NFBS) and National Maternity Benefit Scheme (NMBS).
- Gram Swaraj Abhiyan
Gram Swaraj Abhiyan was organised during Ambedkar Jayanti. It aims to spread harmony in villages and make them more independent, sustainable, efficient in both finance and other everyday work and increase stability. This scheme is applied in all states as well as union territories. It also encourages feedback from villages for future development.
- Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana
This yojana is a public housing scheme initiated by the Ministry of Rural Development. It started with the rehabilitation of refugees of independence and has continued to be in prominence since then. This rural housing scheme was started under Indira Awaas Yojana (IAY).
This article provides 16 most important government schemes regarding the agriculture and farming sector which is useful for various competitive exams. Preparation of these schemes along with a few others will ensure good results in these types of questions. Candidates can also refer to other schemes which are available in the Ministry websites or the Government of India website to ensure perfect preparation regarding these questions.
Conclusion
In this article, we have covered most important scheme which can be asked in exams like Nabard Grade A/B, FSSAI, FAO and other agriculture related exams. For older running schemes and their performance, students are advised to visit Agriculture ministry website.
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