In recent times, the Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare has highlighted its ongoing commitment to the welfare of India’s farmers. It achieved this by declaring a slew of Central Sector and Centrally Sponsored Schemes designed to promote farmer growth and development. These schemes address crucial aspects such as income support, infrastructure development, and sustainable farming practices.
Understanding Central Sector and Centrally Sponsored Schemes
Two primary types of schemes are being implemented for farmers’ welfare – Central Sector Schemes and Centrally Sponsored Schemes.
Central Sector Schemes originate from subjects on the union list and are designed, planned, and financed in entirety by the central government. Examples of such initiatives include Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojana, Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana, and Khelo India Scheme.
On the other hand, Centrally Sponsored Schemes (CSS) receive joint funding from both state and central governments. They function as a financial aid channel through which the central government supports state-run plans. While states contribute a certain percentage of the funding, the lion’s share comes from the center. The extent of state participation differs from one region to another with the responsibility for implementation resting on Union territories and the States.
Key Government Schemes For Farmers Welfare
Several critical government schemes aim to bolster farmers’ welfare.
The Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN) is one such initiative designed to provide income support to all landholding farmers’ families across the country. This support aids in catering to expenses related to agriculture and allied activities, including domestic needs.
The Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs) was launched under the Central Sector Scheme (CSS) to promote creation and reinforcement of 10,000 FPOs. Formation & promotion of FPOs are carried out through Implementing Agencies (IAs), which engage Cluster Based Business Organizations (CBBOs) to provide professional handholding support to FPOs for a five-year period.
The Agriculture Infrastructure Fund (AIF), launched under the Aatmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan, is a long-term debt financing instrument dedicated to fostering viable projects for post-harvest management infrastructure and community farming assets.
Special Focus Schemes
Some schemes specifically target unique aspects of farming and agricultural development.
The National Mission on Edible Oil-Oil Palm (NMEO-OP) aims to promote oil palm cultivation, thereby contributing to India’s self-sufficiency in edible oils. The program has a special focus on North-Eastern States and A&N Islands.
The National Beekeeping & Honey Mission (NBHM) promotes the overall advancement of scientific beekeeping across India, aiming to accomplish the goal of a Sweet Revolution.
Insights from UPSC Civil Services Examination Previous Year Questions
Past examination questions underline the importance of comprehending the underlying purpose and functionality of various schemes. For instance, a 2020 question on Kisan Credit Card scheme highlighted its aim to provide short-term credit support to farmers for specific purposes such as working capital for maintenance of farm assets and consumption requirements of farm households.
Another question from 2017 centered on the ‘Soil Health Card Scheme,’ asking candidates to identify correct statements about its objectives – expanding the cultivable area under irrigation, enabling banks to assess loan quantum based on soil quality, and checking fertilizer overuse in farmlands.
Sample Mains Questions
To gauge the broader implications and relevance of these schemes, some previous year questions have asked –
1. How is science interwoven deeply with our lives? What are the striking changes in agriculture triggered off by science-based technologies?
2. Given the vulnerability of Indian agriculture to vagaries of nature, discuss the need for crop insurance and bring out the salient features of the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY).