New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on October 3 praised the Union Cabinet’s decision to approve the PM Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (PM-RKVY) and the Krishonnati Yojana (KY), emphasizing that these initiatives will empower food producers and enhance food security across the nation.

In a post on X, the Prime Minister expressed the government’s dedication to the welfare of farmers throughout the country. He stated, “We are committed to the welfare of our farmer brothers and sisters across the country. In this direction, two important decisions have been taken today, and the PM-Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana and Krishonnati Yojana have been approved. This will make food producers self-reliant and further strengthen food security.” The Union Cabinet approved the PM-RKVY and Krishonnati Yojana to bolster food security and promote sustainable agriculture, with a combined budget exceeding Rs 1 lakh crore.

A statement released by the government noted, “The Union Cabinet, chaired by PM Modi, today approved the proposal of the Department of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare (DA&FW) for rationalization of all Centrally Sponsored Schemes (CSS) operating under the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers into two umbrella schemes: Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana and Krishonnati Yojana.” PM-RKVY aims to promote sustainable agriculture, while KY focuses on enhancing food security and achieving agricultural self-sufficiency. The schemes will leverage technology for efficient and effective implementation of their various components.

The total proposed expenditure for the PM-RKVY and Krishonnati Yojana is Rs 1,01,321.61 crore, with implementation carried out through state governments. This rationalization ensures the continuation of all existing schemes while enhancing specific areas deemed necessary for farmers' welfare. Notable components include the National Mission for Edible Oil-Oil Palm (NMEO-OP), the Clean Plant Programme, Digital Agriculture, and the National Mission for Edible Oil-Oil Seeds (NMEO-OS). Furthermore, the Mission Organic Value Chain Development for the North Eastern Region (MOVCDNER) is being modified to provide greater flexibility for North Eastern states in addressing critical agricultural challenges.

The government release added, “By rationalizing the schemes, states are allowed to prepare a Comprehensive Strategic Document on the Agriculture Sector of the State holistically. This document will focus not only on crop production and productivity but also address emerging issues like Climate Resilient Agriculture and the development of a value chain approach for agricultural commodities.”

The rationalization aims to eliminate duplication, ensure convergence, and provide states with flexibility to tackle pressing challenges in agriculture, such as Nutrition Security, Sustainability, Climate Resilience, and Private Sector Participation. State governments will have the opportunity to develop comprehensive strategic plans tailored to their agricultural requirements, and the Annual Action Plan (AAP) can be approved in a unified manner, rather than on an individual scheme basis.

An important change introduced in PM-RKVY allows state governments the flexibility to reallocate funds among components based on specific state needs. Of the total proposed expenditure of Rs 1,01,321.61 crore, the central share allocated for DA&FW is Rs 69,088.98 crore, with the state share being Rs 32,232.63 crore. This includes Rs 57,074.72 crore for RKVY and Rs 44,246.89 crore for KY.

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