Government Initiatives in Agriculture and Energy: New Mergers and Mission for Growth

Government Initiatives in Agriculture and Energy: New Mergers and Mission for Growth

Sub: Schemes

Sec: Agri

Why in News

The Union Cabinet, announced significant reforms in the agriculture sector, merging multiple schemes under two umbrella initiatives. It also launched the National Mission on Edible Oils – Oilseeds (NMEO-Oilseeds) to boost domestic oilseed production and enhance energy efficiency initiatives.

Merging of Central Schemes into Two Major Initiatives

The Union Cabinet has decided to consolidate all Central schemes related to agriculture under two flagship programs:

Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (PM-RKVY)

Krishonnati Yojana (KY)

The total projected expenditure for these schemes is ₹1,01,321.61 crore, with a Central share of ₹69,088.98 crore and the remaining ₹32,232.63 crore being contributed by States.

Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (PM-RKVY): It is an umbrella scheme aimed at promoting sustainable agriculture in India.

The Union Cabinet has allocated a budget of ₹1,01,321.61 crore for this scheme, which is implemented by state governments with significant flexibility to adjust funds based on local needs.

The key components of PM-RKVY include:

Soil Health Management: Focuses on improving soil health and fertility.

Rainfed Area Development: Supports farming in rainfed regions, promoting sustainable and climate-resilient agricultural practices.

Agro Forestry: Encourages tree-based farming systems to enhance income and environmental benefits.

Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana: Promotes organic farming practices across the country.

Agricultural Mechanization including Crop Residue Management: Aims to mechanize farming practices and manage crop residue to reduce pollution, especially in states like Punjab and Haryana.

Per Drop More Crop: Focuses on water use efficiency through micro-irrigation techniques.

Crop Diversification Programme: Encourages farmers to shift from water-intensive crops to more sustainable alternatives.

RKVY DPR Component: A newly introduced component, providing flexibility to prepare Detailed Project Reports (DPR) for agricultural programs.

Accelerator Fund for Agri Startups: Supports innovation and startups in the agriculture sector, providing funds for research and development.

Krishonnati Yojana (KY): The Yojana now integrates multiple schemes to avoid duplication and ensure better resource utilization. States have more flexibility in fund allocation, allowing them to address specific agricultural challenges like climate resilience and food security.

The total fund for KY is ₹44,246.89 crore, with a major portion funded by the central government.

The scheme emphasizes organic farming in the North-Eastern region, expanding the Mission Organic Value Chain Development.

State-Level Planning: Annual Action Plans (AAP) streamline planning, providing quicker approval for state-specific agriculture initiatives.

National Mission on Edible Oils (NMEO-Oilseeds): The mission aims to enhance domestic oilseed production and reduce reliance on imports of edible oils.

Implemented over 7 years (2024-31) with a financial outlay of ₹10,103 crore.

Focus on Rapeseed-Mustard, Groundnut, Soybean, Sunflower, Sesamum, along with increasing oil extraction from Cottonseed, Rice Bran, and Tree-Borne Oils (TBOs).

Increase primary oilseed production from 39 million tonnes (2022-23) to 69.7 million tonnes by 2030-31 and edible oil production to 25.45 million tonnes.

Use of high-yielding seed varieties, genome editing, and promoting oilseed cultivation on fallow lands (rice, potato) and through intercropping.

Establish 65 seed hubs and 50 seed storage units, and introduce an online 5-year rolling seed plan via the SATHI Portal for quality seed availability.

Develop 600+ clusters across 347 districts, managed by FPOs, cooperatives, and private entities, covering over 10 lakh hectares annually.

International Energy Efficiency Hub: India has recently signed a letter of intent to join the International Energy Efficiency Hub, enhancing its commitment to global energy efficiency efforts and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

The Hub, established in 2020 as a successor to the International Partnership for Energy Efficiency Cooperation (IPEEC), is a collaborative platform that includes 16 member countries: Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, Denmark, the European Commission, France, Germany, Japan, Korea, Luxembourg, Russia, Saudi Arabia, the United States, and the United Kingdom​