Digital Explorer: India - Agriculture, Rural Development & Allied Sectors

Introduction & Summary

Agriculture and rural development are pivotal to India's socio-economic fabric, with a significant portion of the population dependent on these sectors for livelihood. Government interventions in this domain are multifaceted, encompassing farmer income support, risk management, irrigation, rural employment, infrastructure development, promotion of allied sectors like fisheries and animal husbandry, and agricultural marketing reforms.

These schemes, primarily driven by the Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare, Ministry of Rural Development, Ministry of Jal Shakti, and Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying, aim to enhance agricultural productivity, ensure rural prosperity, reduce distress, and create sustainable livelihoods.

Understanding these schemes is crucial for grasping the dynamics of India's rural economy and its developmental trajectory.

2.1.1: Farmer Income Support & Risk Management

Introduction/Summary (2.1.1):

Ensuring stable income for farmers and mitigating the inherent risks in agriculture are critical objectives of government policy. Schemes like PM-KISAN provide direct income support, PMFBY offers crop insurance against unforeseen losses, the KCC scheme facilitates access to credit, and PM-AASHA aims to provide remunerative prices for agricultural produce. These interventions are designed to enhance farmers' financial stability and resilience.

A. Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN)

Ministry: Agriculture & Farmers Welfare Launch: Feb 2019 (Operational Dec 2018) Type: Central Sector

Objectives:

To provide income support to all eligible landholding farmer families.
To supplement financial needs for agricultural inputs, allied activities, and domestic needs.

Eligibility:

All landholding farmer families (cultivable land). Extended from initial small/marginal farmers (up to 2ha) to all landholders (June 2019).
Exclusion criteria apply (institutional landholders, constitutional post holders, MPs/MLAs, govt employees (except Group D), professionals, income tax payers, high-pension pensioners).

Benefits:

Financial benefit of ₹6,000 per year per family in three equal installments of ₹2,000 via DBT.

Impact:

Provides income security and liquidity.
Helps meet input costs and consumption needs.
Particularly beneficial for small and marginal farmers.

Challenges:

Land Records: Accurate digital records crucial; state progress varies.
Beneficiary Identification: Errors of inclusion/exclusion, issues with tenant farmers.
Grievance Redressal: Payment delays, Aadhaar linkage issues.
Adequacy of amount debated.

Recent Developments:

PM-KISAN Mobile App. Integration with KCC. Saturation coverage efforts.

B. Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY)

Ministry: Agriculture & Farmers Welfare Launch: Kharif 2016 Type: Centrally Sponsored

Objectives:

Comprehensive insurance coverage and financial support for crop failure due to natural calamities, pests & diseases.
Stabilize farmer income, encourage continuance in farming.
Promote innovative agricultural practices.
Ensure credit flow to agriculture.

Features:

Low Uniform Premium: Kharif 2%, Rabi 1.5%, Annual Commercial/Horticultural 5%.
Comprehensive Risk Cover: Yield losses (non-preventable risks), post-harvest losses, localized calamities.
Use of Technology: Smartphones/drones for CCEs and loss assessment. PMFBY Portal.

Revamped PMFBY (from Kharif 2020):

Voluntary for all farmers.
Flexibility to states for risk cover options.
Capping of Centre's premium subsidy (30% GIA, 25% GUA). States can add subsidy.
Increased IEC focus.

Challenges:

Timely & Accurate Crop Loss Assessment.
Delayed Claim Settlement.
High Actuarial Premium Rates (govt subsidy burden).
Withdrawal of States.
Low Awareness. Moral Hazard.

Recent Developments:

DigiClaim module (Mar 2023) for electronic claim disbursal for farmers with land records on NCIP.

C. Kisan Credit Card (KCC) Scheme

Ministry: Agriculture & Farmers Welfare (via banks, RBI/NABARD) Launch: 1998

Objectives:

Adequate and timely credit support from banks under a single window with flexible procedure for cultivation and other needs.

Features:

Short-term credit (crop cultivation, post-harvest, consumption, working capital for farm assets/allied activities).
Term loans for investment credit.
Revolving cash credit.
Interest subvention: 7% p.a. for loans up to ₹3 lakh; additional 3% for prompt repayment (effective 4%).

Expanding Reach & Integration:

KCC for Animal Husbandry & Fisheries farmers (2019).
Saturation Drive for all eligible farmers, including PM-KISAN beneficiaries.

Benefits:

Access to formal credit at lower rates.
Flexibility in drawing/repaying funds.
Assured credit availability.

Challenges:

Coverage for all eligible, especially small/marginal/tenant farmers.
Simplification of documentation/application.
Preventing loan diversion.

D. PM-AASHA (Pradhan Mantri Annadata Aay Sanrakshan Abhiyan)

Ministry: Agriculture & Farmers Welfare Launch: 2018 Type: Umbrella scheme

Objectives:

Ensure remunerative prices for produce (MSP at least 1.5 times cost of production for Kharif 2018 onwards).

Components:

Price Support Scheme (PSS): Physical procurement of pulses, oilseeds, copra by Central Nodal Agencies at MSP when market prices fall below. Centre bears costs/losses.
Price Deficiency Payment Scheme (PDPS): Direct payment of MSP-market price difference to pre-registered farmers selling in notified yards. No physical procurement.
Private Procurement & Stockist Scheme (PPSS): Private sector procurement at MSP (pilot for oilseeds). Agency compensated up to 15% of MSP.

Challenges:

Limited geographical coverage/procurement under PSS.
Operational complexities/fiscal implications of PDPS.
Limited uptake of PPSS.
Ensuring timely payment.
MSP procurement heavily skewed to wheat/paddy; PM-AASHA aims to diversify.

Prelims-ready Notes: 2.1.1

PM-KISAN: Agri & FW. 2019. Central Sector. ₹6k/yr/family. All landholders (exclusions). Chal: Land records, ID.
PMFBY: Agri & FW. 2016. CSS. Premium: Kharif 2%, Rabi 1.5%, Comm/Horti 5%. Revamped (2020): Voluntary. Chal: Claim delay, states withdrawing. DigiClaim (Mar 2023).
KCC Scheme: 1998. Short-term crop loans & term loans. Interest subvention (eff. 4% up to ₹3L). Extended to Animal Husbandry & Fisheries.
PM-AASHA: Agri & FW. 2018. Remunerative prices. Components: PSS, PDPS, PPSS. For pulses, oilseeds, copra.

Scheme	Objective	Key Feature(s)	Type
PM-KISAN	Direct Income Support	₹6,000/year/family via DBT	Central Sector
PMFBY	Crop Insurance	Low premium (2%, 1.5%, 5%), comprehensive risk, tech use. Voluntary from 2020.	CSS
KCC	Access to Affordable Credit	Short-term crop loans, term loans, interest subvention.	Bank-implem.
PM-AASHA	Remunerative Prices (MSP for non-cereals)	PSS (procurement), PDPS (price difference payment), PPSS (private participation).	Umbrella CSS

Mains-ready Analytical Notes: 2.1.1

Shift in Approach: From price support (MSP primarily for wheat/paddy) and input subsidies towards a mix including direct income support (PM-KISAN) and risk management (PMFBY). Aims for more predictable, less distortionary support.

Impact of PM-KISAN: Pros: Immediate liquidity, helps consumption, non-distortionary. Cons/Challenges: Adequacy, exclusion of landless/tenants, land record dependence.

PMFBY - Critical Assessment: Achievements: Increased coverage, tech use. Issues: Delayed claims, high actuarial premiums, states opting out. Voluntary nature might reduce coverage. Data: Gross premium (Kharif 2016 - Rabi 2021-22) ₹1.5L cr, claims paid ₹1.3L cr (timeliness varies).

KCC's Role: Expanded access but challenges for tenant farmers. Simplification needed.

PM-AASHA's Effectiveness: Addresses MSP non-realization for non-cereals. PSS similar to MSP ops. PDPS innovative but complex. PPSS limited. Success depends on infra, payment systems, state participation.

Interlinkages & Debates: MSP legal guarantee debate ongoing. Need for integration with broader agri reforms (markets, FPOs, post-harvest). Climate change makes PMFBY critical.

Conclusion for 2.1.1:

Farmer income support and risk management schemes are vital. While strides made, addressing operational challenges, ensuring inclusivity (tenant farmers, PMFBY claims), and strengthening price support beyond traditional crops are crucial for long-term farmer welfare and agricultural sustainability.

2.1.2: Irrigation & Water Resource Management

Introduction/Summary (2.1.2):

Water is critical for agriculture, and its efficient management is essential. Schemes like PMKSY aim to expand irrigation ("Har Khet Ko Pani") and improve water use efficiency ("Per Drop More Crop"). Atal Bhujal Yojana focuses on community-led groundwater management, Jal Jeevan Mission on rural tap water, and DRIP on dam safety.

A. Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY)

Nodal: Jal Shakti (AIBP, HKKP-SMI, CAD); Agri & FW (PDMC-MI); Rural Dev (WD) Launch: 2015 Type: CSS (some CS components)

Vision:

"Har Khet Ko Pani" (protective irrigation to all farms), "Per Drop More Crop" (improve water use efficiency).

Components:

Accelerated Irrigation Benefits Programme (AIBP): Faster completion of ongoing Major/Medium Irrigation projects. (Min. of Jal Shakti)
Har Khet Ko Pani (HKKP): New water sources via Minor Irrigation (surface/ground), RRR of water bodies. Includes Command Area Development & Water Management (CADWM). (Min. of Jal Shakti)
Per Drop More Crop (PDMC): Micro-irrigation (drips, sprinklers). (Dept. of Agri & FW). (Note: Since 2022-23, micro-irrigation largely via NABARD's MIF & state budgets, subsidies continue).
Watershed Development (WD): Rainfed area development, soil/water conservation, groundwater regeneration. (Dept. of Land Resources, Min. of Rural Dev). (PMKSY-WDC, now WDC-PMKSY 2.0 (2021-26))

Challenges:

Inter-state water disputes (AIBP).
Slow adoption of micro-irrigation.
Quality of watershed structures.
Inter-ministerial coordination.

B. Atal Bhujal Yojana (ABHY) / Atal Jal

Ministry: Jal Shakti Launch: 2019 (Effective Apr 2020, 5 yrs) Type: Central Sector (World Bank aided)

Objectives:

Improve groundwater management via community participation in 7 priority water-stressed states (Gujarat, Haryana, Karnataka, MP, Maharashtra, Rajasthan, UP).

Features:

Demand-side groundwater management.
Strengthening institutional framework for participatory management.
Water Security Plans (WSPs) at Gram Panchayat level.
Convergence with other schemes.
Incentivizing states for good performance.

Significance:

Addresses critical groundwater over-exploitation. Promotes behavioral change, community ownership.

C. Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) - Gramin

Ministry: Jal Shakti (Dept. of Drinking Water & Sanitation) Launch: Aug 2019 Type: Centrally Sponsored

Vision:

"Har Ghar Jal" (piped water supply) to every rural household by 2024.

Objectives:

Functional Household Tap Connection (FHTC) to every rural household.
Prioritize quality-affected areas, SAGY villages.
FHTC to Schools, Anganwadis, GP buildings, Health centres.
Monitor tap connection functionality.
Promote water conservation.

Components:

In-village piped water supply infrastructure.
Reliable drinking water source development/augmentation.
Water quality monitoring.
Greywater management.
Community participation (VWSC/Pani Samitis). Community contribution (5-10% capital cost).
IEC activities.

Challenges:

Source sustainability.
Infrastructure quality.
Pani Samiti capacity for O&M.
Water quality (arsenic, fluoride).
Meeting 2024 deadline.
Convergence with SBM for greywater/sludge.

Recent Developments:

JJM Dashboard for real-time monitoring. High political priority. Significant progress reported. Jal Jeevan Survekshan launched.

D. Dam Rehabilitation and Improvement Project (DRIP)

Ministry: Jal Shakti (Implemented by CWC, World Bank/AIIB support) Phases: I (2012-21), II & III (2021-31)

Objectives:

Improve safety and operational performance of selected existing dams sustainably.
Strengthen dam safety institutional setup (States & Central).

Significance:

Addresses risks of aging dams (India has >5000 large dams). Crucial for water security, disaster prevention. Aligns with Dam Safety Act, 2021.

Prelims-ready Notes: 2.1.2

PMKSY: 2015. "Har Khet Ko Pani", "Per Drop More Crop". Components & Ministries: AIBP (Jal Shakti), HKKP (Jal Shakti), PDMC (Agri & FW), Watershed Dev (Rural Dev - WDC-PMKSY 2.0).
Atal Bhujal Yojana (ABHY): Jal Shakti. 2019. Central Sector. World Bank aided. Community-led groundwater mgt in 7 states. Water Security Plans.
Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) - Gramin: Jal Shakti. 2019. CSS. "Har Ghar Jal" (FHTC to rural households) by 2024. Pani Samitis, greywater mgt. JJM Dashboard.
DRIP: Jal Shakti. CWC implements. World Bank/AIIB aided. Improve safety of existing dams. Aligns with Dam Safety Act, 2021.

Scheme	Primary Focus	Key Component(s)/Target	Implementing Ministry(ies)
PMKSY	Irrigation Coverage & Water Use Efficiency	AIBP, HKKP, PDMC, Watershed Dev.	Jal Shakti, Agri & FW, Rural Dev
Atal Bhujal Y.	Groundwater Management (Demand Side)	Community participation, WSPs in 7 states.	Jal Shakti
Jal Jeevan M.	Rural Household Tap Water Supply	"Har Ghar Jal" by 2024, FHTCs, Pani Samitis.	Jal Shakti
DRIP	Dam Safety & Rehabilitation	Improving safety of existing dams.	Jal Shakti (via CWC)

Mains-ready Analytical Notes: 2.1.2

Holistic Water Management: Shift to encompassing source creation (PMKSY-AIBP/HKKP), efficient use (PMKSY-PDMC), groundwater (ABHY), watershed (PMKSY-WD), drinking water (JJM).

Challenges in PMKSY: Inter-ministry coordination. Slow AIBP (land acquisition, disputes). Low micro-irrigation adoption (cost, awareness), MIF for impetus. Watershed structure sustainability.

Significance of Atal Bhujal Yojana: Addresses groundwater depletion (affects >60% irrigated agri). Community participation, demand-side management crucial. Behavioral change key.

Jal Jeevan Mission - A Game Changer?: Potential impacts: Health, reduced drudgery for women, quality of life. Hurdles: Source sustainability, water quality, Pani Samiti capacity, O&M financial sustainability. Data: Over 70-75% rural households tap connected (early 2024), up from ~17% in 2019. Quality/functionality now key.

Dam Safety: Dam Safety Act, 2021, and DRIP critical for aging dams.

Climate Change Interlinkages: Water scarcity exacerbated. Schemes need climate resilience (drought-resistant crops, RWH).

Conclusion for 2.1.2:

Effective water management and irrigation are fundamental. PMKSY, ABHY, JJM represent significant efforts. Success hinges on robust implementation, community participation, inter-agency coordination, source sustainability, and climate adaptation.

2.1.3: Rural Livelihoods & Employment

Introduction/Summary (2.1.3):

Enhancing rural livelihoods and employment are core objectives. The Ministry of Rural Development spearheads programs like MGNREGS (wage employment), DAY-NRLM (self-employment via SHGs), and DDU-GKY (skilling rural youth) to reduce poverty and promote inclusive growth.

A. Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGS)

Ministry: Rural Development Act Passed: 2005 Type: CSS (Wage 100% Centre, Material shared 75:25)

Objectives:

Enhance livelihood security: min 100 days guaranteed wage employment/year/household for unskilled manual work.
Create durable assets, strengthen rural livelihood resource base.
Social inclusion, strengthen PRIs.

Key Features:

Legal Right to Work: Employment within 15 days or unemployment allowance.
Wage Rate: Notified by Centre (CPI-AL based), DBT payments.
Worksite Facilities: Drinking water, crèche, first-aid.
Decentralized Planning: GPs prepare plans, execute min 50% works.
Permissible Works: NRM, water conservation, irrigation, rural connectivity, individual beneficiary schemes.
Women Participation: Min 1/3 (often 50-55%).
Social Audit: Mandatory. GeoMGNREGA (geotagging). NeFMS/DBT for wages.

Achievements:

Significant social safety net (especially during distress).
Increased rural wages, bargaining power.
Empowerment of women, marginalized communities.
Creation of rural assets (variable quality). Reduced distress migration.

Challenges:

Delayed Wage Payments.
Adequacy of Fund Releases (demand suppression).
Aadhaar-Based Payment System (ABPS) Issues (mandatory from Jan 2024, exclusion concerns).
Quality/Maintenance of Assets.
Wage vs. Material Ratio (60:40 at GP level difficult).
Administrative Capacity at GP level. Corruption/Irregularities.

Recent Developments:

Focus on individual beneficiary schemes, convergence. ABPS debate. UNNATI project (skilling MGNREGA workers).

B. Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana - National Rural Livelihoods Mission (DAY-NRLM)

Ministry: Rural Development Launch: 2011 (restructured SGSY) Type: CSS

Aim:

Reduce poverty by enabling poor households to access gainful self-employment and skilled wage employment via strong grassroots institutions of the poor.

Key Pillars/Components:

Social Mobilization & Institution Building: Mobilizing rural poor women into SHGs and federations.
Financial Inclusion: SHG-bank linkage (savings, credit, Interest Subvention). Community Investment Fund (CIF), Revolving Fund (RF).
Livelihood Diversification & Promotion: Farm (agro-ecology), Non-Farm (micro-enterprises). Mahila Kisan Sashaktikaran Pariyojana (MKSP) sub-component.
Skill Development & Placement: Via partnerships (e.g., DDU-GKY).
Convergence: With other schemes and PRIs. Dedicated support units.

Achievements:

Large-scale mobilization of rural poor women into SHGs (>9 cr women in ~85 lakh SHGs as of early 2023).
Improved credit access, reduced moneylender dependence.
Significant women empowerment. Livelihood diversification. Vital role during COVID-19.

Challenges:

Quality/sustainability of SHGs.
Timely/adequate bank credit.
Market linkages for SHG products.
Capacity building. Reaching poorest. Saturation vs. low coverage areas.

Recent Developments:

"Lakhpati Didi" initiative (SHG women earning ₹1 lakh+/annum). Digital transactions. e-commerce (SARAS Aajeevika).

C. Deendayal Upadhyaya Grameen Kaushalya Yojana (DDU-GKY)

Ministry: Rural Development Launch: 2014 (part of NRLM) Type: CSS

Objectives:

Transform rural poor youth (15-35 yrs, up to 45 for SC/ST/Women/PwD) into economically independent, globally relevant workforce. Skilling and jobs with regular monthly wages.

Features:

Demand-led, placement-linked skill training (min 70% placement guarantee).
Focus on sustainable placements.
PPP mode by Project Implementing Agencies (PIAs).
NSQF aligned curriculum. Social inclusion focus. Post-placement support.

Achievements:

Skilled and placed significant numbers of rural youth.

Challenges:

Training quality and market relevance.
Mobilizing youth (especially women) for residential training.
High dropout rates. Sustainable placements, career progression.
PIA performance monitoring. Low entry-level wages.

Prelims-ready Notes: 2.1.3

MGNREGS: Rural Dev. Act: 2005. CSS. 100 days guaranteed wage emp./yr/rural household. Demand-driven. Wage (CPI-AL), unemployment allowance, 1/3 women, social audit. Chal: Delayed wages, ABPS issues. UNNATI project.
DAY-NRLM: Rural Dev. 2011. CSS. Poverty reduction via SHGs for self-emp & skilled wage emp. Pillars: SHGs, fin. inclusion (bank linkage, interest subvention), livelihood (MKSP). Chal: SHG quality, market linkage. "Lakhpati Didi".
DDU-GKY: Rural Dev. 2014 (part of NRLM). CSS. Skill rural poor youth (15-35 yrs) for wage emp. Placement-linked (min 70%). PPP by PIAs. NSQF aligned. Chal: Training quality, placements.

Scheme	Primary Focus	Target Group	Key Mechanism/Feature
MGNREGS	Guaranteed Wage Employment (Unskilled)	Rural Households	100 days work guarantee, demand-driven, legal right.
DAY-NRLM	Self-Employment & Livelihood Diversification	Rural Poor Women (via SHGs)	SHG formation, bank linkage, interest subvention, MKSP.
DDU-GKY	Skill Development for Wage Employment	Rural Poor Youth (15-35 yrs)	Placement-linked training, PPP, NSQF, min 70% placement.

Mains-ready Analytical Notes: 2.1.3

MGNREGS as Social Safety Net: Critical during shocks (COVID-19). Boosts rural demand, empowers marginalized. ABPS Debate: Transparency vs. exclusion risk without addressing last-mile issues. Need for timely wages, quality assets, convergence.

DAY-NRLM - Empowering Rural Women: Transformative impact on women (economic, social, political). Challenge: Move SHGs up value chain (sustainable micro-enterprises, market linkages). "Lakhpati Didi" initiative (target 2 crore women, Budget 2023-24) needs intensive support.

DDU-GKY - Bridging Skill Gap: Addresses demographic dividend vs. skill deficit. Success depends on market demand assessment, PIA quality, placement monitoring. Need focus on higher skills, entrepreneurship.

Convergence & Holistic Development: Essential between MGNREGS, NRLM, DDU-GKY, sectoral schemes. PRIs crucial for local planning/monitoring.

Challenges of Scale & Sustainability: Reaching vast numbers, ensuring livelihood sustainability. Climate change impacts need factoring in.

Conclusion for 2.1.3:

Rural livelihood and employment schemes are bedrock of poverty reduction. MGNREGS (safety net), DAY-NRLM (women's enterprise), DDU-GKY (youth skills) are key. Addressing challenges, ensuring funding, fostering convergence, adapting to new realities vital for sustainable rural development.

2.1.4: Rural Infrastructure & Amenities

Introduction/Summary (2.1.4):

Quality of life and economic opportunities depend on basic rural infrastructure. Key schemes include PMGSY (rural roads), PMAY-G (rural housing), NRUM/SPMRM (Rurban clusters), and RGSA (strengthening PRIs for rural development management).

A. Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY & PMGSY-III)

Ministry: Rural Development Launch: 2000 (PMGSY-I); PMGSY-II (2013); PMGSY-III (2019) Type: CSS

Objectives:

PMGSY-I: All-weather road connectivity to eligible unconnected habitations (500+ plains, 250+ hilly/tribal/desert).
PMGSY-II: Consolidation of existing Rural Road Network by upgradation.
PMGSY-III (2019-2025): Consolidation of Through Routes & Major Rural Links connecting habitations to Gramin Agricultural Markets (GrAMs), Higher Secondary Schools, Hospitals. Target: upgrade 1,25,000 km.

Features:

High standards of design/quality control.
Use of new, green technologies, locally available materials.
Online Management, Monitoring and Accounting System (OMMAS).
Three-tier quality monitoring. 5-year maintenance included.

Economic Impact:

Improved access to markets, education, healthcare. Stimulated rural economy, agri diversification. Reduced transport costs. Employment generation.

Challenges:

Land acquisition delays. Difficult terrain. Working season limits.
Long-term maintenance beyond 5 years. Cost escalation.

Recent Developments:

Focus on green tech (plastic waste in roads). GIS integration.

B. Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana - Gramin (PMAY-G)

Ministry: Rural Development Launch: Apr 2016 (restructured IAY) Type: CSS

Objective:

"Housing for All" by 2024 (extended from 2022). Pucca house with basic amenities to houseless and those in kutcha/dilapidated houses in rural areas.

Features:

Beneficiary Selection: SECC 2011 housing deprivation parameters, Gram Sabha verified.
Unit Assistance: ₹1.20 lakh (plains), ₹1.30 lakh (hilly/difficult/IAP). Centre-State shared (60:40, 90:10 NE/Himalayan).
Minimum House Size: 25 sq.m. with hygienic cooking area.
Convergence: SBM-G (toilet), MGNREGS (90-95 person-days wage labor), Ujjwala (LPG), Saubhagya (electricity).
Technology Use: AwaasSoft (MIS), AwaasApp (monitoring, geo-tagging). DBT for funds.

Challenges:

Land availability for landless. Construction quality control.
Timely installment release. Ensuring convergence.
Meeting deadline (post-COVID). Identifying remaining eligible beyond SECC 2011.

Recent Developments:

Target extended to 2024. Focus on quality, timely completion.

C. National Rurban Mission (NRUM) / Shyama Prasad Mukherji Rurban Mission (SPMRM)

Ministry: Rural Development Launch: 2016 Type: CSS

Objective:

Develop "Rurban" clusters of villages preserving rural essence with urban facilities. Bridge rural-urban divide (economic, tech, services).

Strategy:

Identify/develop 300 Rurban clusters.
Clusters: Geographically contiguous GPs (pop. 25k-50k plains/coastal, 5k-15k desert/hilly/tribal).
Focus: Urban amenities (skilling, agro-processing, digital literacy, sanitation, piped water, SWM, roads, transport) while retaining rural ethos.
Funding: Convergence + Critical Gap Funding (CGF) from SPMRM.

Challenges:

Effective scheme convergence at cluster level.
Community participation/ownership.
Capacity for planning/implementing Integrated Cluster Action Plans (ICAPs).
Sustainability of assets/services.

D. Rashtriya Gram Swaraj Abhiyan (RGSA)

Ministry: Panchayati Raj Launch: 2018 (revamped) Type: CSS

Objective:

Develop/strengthen Panchayati Raj Institution (PRI) capacities to achieve SDGs, enabling PRIs to deliver on SDG targets in their purview.

Focus Areas:

Capacity building/training of PRI elected reps/functionaries.
Strengthening Gram Sabhas.
Support for e-governance (e-Panchayat).
Institutional support for PRIs (infra, HR).
Promoting participatory planning (Gram Panchayat Development Plan - GPDP).

Significance:

Crucial for effective local governance, scheme implementation. Empowers local communities.

Challenges:

Varying devolution of functions, funds, functionaries (3Fs) to PRIs by states.
PRI capacity constraints.
Ensuring genuine participation in Gram Sabhas/GPDPs.
State political will for PRI empowerment.

Recent Developments:

Localization of SDGs (LSDGs) at PRI level. Integration with eGramSwaraj portal.

Prelims-ready Notes: 2.1.4

PMGSY: Rural Dev. 2000. CSS. All-weather rural roads. PMGSY-III (2019-25) for GrAMs, schools, hospitals. OMMAS. Green tech.
PMAY-G: Rural Dev. 2016. CSS. "Housing for All" by 2024. SECC 2011 beneficiaries. Unit assistance ₹1.2L (plains), ₹1.3L (hilly). Convergence. AwaasSoft.
NRUM/SPMRM: Rural Dev. 2016. CSS. Develop Rurban clusters (urban amenities in rural). 300 clusters. Convergence + CGF.
RGSA: Panchayati Raj. 2018. CSS. Strengthen PRIs for SDGs. Capacity building, e-Panchayat, GPDP. Focus on LSDGs. eGramSwaraj.

Scheme	Primary Focus	Key Feature(s)/Target	Implementing Ministry
PMGSY	Rural Road Connectivity	All-weather roads, PMGSY-III (GrAMs, etc.), OMMAS.	Rural Development
PMAY-G	Rural Housing ("Housing for All")	Pucca houses for SECC beneficiaries, DBT, convergence.	Rural Development
NRUM/SPMRM	Development of Rurban Clusters	Urban amenities in rural clusters, convergence + CGF.	Rural Development
RGSA	Strengthening PRIs	Capacity building, e-gov, GPDP, LSDGs.	Panchayati Raj

Mains-ready Analytical Notes: 2.1.4

Multiplier Effect of Rural Infra: PMGSY (roads) fundamental for economic dev (markets, education, healthcare). PMAY-G (housing) improves health, dignity, productivity.

PMAY-G - Beyond Shelter: Convergence aims for complete living unit. Success depends on inter-dept coordination, beneficiary participation. Landlessness, quality construction challenges.

Rurban Mission - Balancing Development: SPMRM addresses distress migration via economic opportunities/urban amenities in rural clusters. Success: cluster ID, ICAP implementation, local leadership.

RGSA & Decentralized Governance: Crucial for participatory, responsive, sustainable rural dev. "Localization of SDGs" (LSDGs) significant. Effectiveness linked to genuine 3Fs devolution by states.

Sustainability & Maintenance: Key challenge for all infra. Schemes focus on creation, less on O&M funding/mechanisms.

Use of Technology: GIS, MIS (OMMAS, AwaasSoft, eGramSwaraj), DBT improve transparency, efficiency. Digital divide, local capacity concerns.

Conclusion for 2.1.4:

Robust rural infrastructure and amenities are essential for quality of life, economic growth, reducing rural-urban divide. PMGSY, PMAY-G, SPMRM, RGSA play vital roles. Ensuring quality, sustainability, convergence, strengthening local governance key to maximizing impact.

2.1.5: Allied Agricultural Sectors

Introduction/Summary (2.1.5):

Allied sectors (fisheries, animal husbandry, dairying) are crucial for diversifying farm income, nutritional security, and employment. MoFAH&D implements schemes for sustainable development, productivity enhancement, and infrastructure improvement in these sectors.

A. Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY)

Ministry: MoFAH&D (Fisheries) Launch: Sep 2020 (2020-25) Type: CS & CSS Components

Aim:

Blue Revolution via sustainable, responsible fisheries development.

Objectives:

Harness fisheries potential sustainably, responsibly, inclusively, equitably.
Enhance fish production/productivity. Modernize value chain (post-harvest, quality).
Double fishers/fish farmers' incomes, generate employment.
Enhance contribution to Agri GVA/exports. Social, physical, economic security for fishers.
Robust fisheries management/regulatory framework.

Key Focus Areas/Components:

Aquaculture development (freshwater, brackishwater, marine).
Fisheries infrastructure (harbours, landing centres, cold chains, processing units).
Technology infusion/innovation. Welfare of fishers (insurance, housing).
Ornamental fisheries, seaweed cultivation, cage culture. Aquatic health management.

Funding: Est. ₹20,050 crore (Central, State, Beneficiary shares).

Targets: Fish production 22 MMT by 2024-25 (from 13.75 MMT in 2018-19). Avg annual growth ~9%.

Challenges:

Infrastructure gaps. Access to credit. Sustainable fishing (overfishing).
Climate change impacts. Market linkages.

B. Rashtriya Gokul Mission (RGM)

Ministry: MoFAH&D (Animal Husbandry & Dairying) Launch: 2014 Type: Central Sector

Objectives:

Develop/conserve indigenous bovine breeds.
Enhance milk production/productivity of bovines.
Genetic upgradation via elite indigenous breeds (Gir, Sahiwal, etc.) using IVF, sex-sorted semen.
Establish "Gokul Grams" (integrated indigenous cattle centres).

Key Components:

Gokul Grams. National Kamdhenu Breeding Centres.
Nationwide AI Delivery Network. Awards (Gopal Ratna, Kamdhenu).
Pashu Sanjivni (Animal Wellness Programme - UID, health cards).

Significance:

Protects/promotes resilient indigenous breeds while improving productivity.

Challenges:

Competition from crossbreds. Quality germplasm availability.
Farmer adoption of advanced breeding tech.

C. National Livestock Mission (NLM)

Ministry: MoFAH&D (Animal Husbandry & Dairying) Launch: 2014-15 (Restructured 2021 for 5 yrs) Type: Primarily CS (some CSS)

Objectives:

Quantitative/qualitative improvement in livestock production systems, capacity building. Focus on entrepreneurship, forward/backward linkages.

Sub-Missions (Restructured NLM):

Breed Development of Livestock & Poultry: Genetic improvement.
Feed and Fodder Development: Address shortage.
Innovation and Extension: Skill dev, tech transfer.
Entrepreneurship Development & Employment Generation: (New) Capital subsidy for entrepreneurs in poultry, sheep, goat, piggery.

Key Interventions:

Fodder cultivation support, risk management (livestock insurance), skill dev, breeding farms.

Challenges:

Quality feed/fodder availability. Disease control. Veterinary service access. Market access.

D. Animal Husbandry Infrastructure Development Fund (AHIDF)

Ministry: MoFAH&D (Animal Husbandry & Dairying) Launch: June 2020 (AtmaNirbhar Bharat)

Corpus: ₹15,000 crore.

Objective:

Incentivize investments by private entrepreneurs, MSMEs, FPOs, Section 8 companies to establish: Dairy processing/value addition, Meat processing/value addition, Animal Feed Plants.

Features:

3% interest subvention p.a. for eligible entities.
Credit guarantee coverage.
Aims to leverage private investment in animal husbandry infrastructure.

Significance:

Addresses infra gaps, promotes value addition, better farmer returns.

Prelims-ready Notes: 2.1.5

PMMSY: MoFAH&D (Fisheries). 2020-25. Blue Revolution. Target 22 MMT fish prod by 2024-25. ₹20,050 cr.
RGM: MoFAH&D (Animal Husbandry). 2014. CS. Develop/conserve indigenous bovines. "Gokul Grams." IVF, sex-sorted semen.
NLM: MoFAH&D (Animal Husbandry). 2014-15 (Restructured 2021). Improve livestock prod. Sub-missions: Breed Dev, Feed/Fodder, Innovation/Ext, Entrepreneurship.
AHIDF: MoFAH&D (Animal Husbandry). 2020. ₹15,000 cr. Incentivize private inv. in dairy/meat processing, feed plants. 3% int. subvention.

Scheme	Primary Focus	Key Target/Component(s)	Ministry (Dept.)
PMMSY	Fisheries Sector Dev (Blue Revolution)	Fish prod, infra, value chain, fishers' welfare.	MoFAH&D (Fisheries)
RGM	Indigenous Bovine Breed Dev & Cons.	Gokul Grams, Kamdhenu Centres, AI, IVF.	MoFAH&D (Animal Hus.)
NLM	Livestock Prod Systems & Entrepreneurship	Breed dev, feed/fodder, innovation, entrepreneurship.	MoFAH&D (Animal Hus.)
AHIDF	Infra Dev in Animal Hus. (Private Invest.)	Dairy/meat processing, feed plants; 3% int. subvention.	MoFAH&D (Animal Hus.)

Mains-ready Analytical Notes: 2.1.5

Importance of Allied Sectors: Supplementary income (doubling farmers' income), resilience to crop failure/climate shocks, nutritional security, employment (women, landless). Livestock share in Agri GVA increasing.

PMMSY - Tapping Blue Economy: India 2nd largest aquaculture, 3rd largest fish producer. PMMSY consolidates sustainably. Focus on inland/marine, diversification, post-harvest infra. Chal: sustainability, over-exploitation, disease, market access.

RGM & NLM - Balancing Breeds & Productivity: Debate: crossbreds vs. indigenous. RGM improves indigenous productivity. Feed/fodder major constraint (NLM). Disease control, vet services crucial. (Livestock Health & Disease Control Prog).

AHIDF - Catalyzing Private Investment: Livestock value addition potential high, needs investment. AHIDF bridges gap. Success: conducive regulation, bankable projects.

One Health Approach: Important for zoonotic diseases. Schemes need to integrate animal, human, environmental health.

Challenges & Way Forward: Market Linkages. Extension Services. Climate Resilience. Data & Monitoring.

Conclusion for 2.1.5:

Developing allied sectors crucial for food/nutritional security, rural income, employment. PMMSY, RGM, NLM, AHIDF modernize, improve productivity, create infra. Addressing sustainability, market access, disease control, climate resilience key to unlocking potential.

2.1.6: Agricultural Marketing & Farmer Producer Organizations

Introduction/Summary (2.1.6):

Efficient agri-marketing and robust farmer collectives are vital for remunerative prices and better bargaining power. Initiatives like e-NAM (unified national market), AIF (post-harvest infra), and FPO promotion scheme help farmers aggregate produce and access markets/inputs effectively.

A. e-NAM (National Agriculture Market)

Ministry: Agri & FW (Impl. by SFAC) Launch: Apr 2016

Objective:

Unified national market for agri commodities via online trading, better price discovery, wider buyer access for farmers.

Features:

Pan-India e-trading portal networking existing APMC mandis.
Integrates mandis for inter-mandi/inter-state trade.
Transparent auction, real-time price dissemination.
Farmers sell via mobile app/portal. Assaying/grading provisions.

Benefits (Potential):

Increased trader competition, better farmer prices.
Reduced information asymmetry. Lower transaction costs.
Greater transparency. Improved market access.

Challenges:

APMC Act Reforms: State amendments (unified license, single levy, e-auction) vary.
Infra Gaps: Assaying, grading, storage, logistics at mandis.
Digital Literacy/Connectivity: Limited access/skills for farmers/small traders.
Resistance from traditional intermediaries (arthiyas).
Ensuring quality standards, dispute resolution.

Recent Developments:

FPO integration on e-NAM. Modules for logistics, warehousing. Promoting inter-mandi/inter-state trade.

B. Agricultural Infrastructure Fund (AIF)

Ministry: Agri & FW Launch: July 2020 (AtmaNirbhar Bharat)

Duration: FY2020 to FY2032 (loan disbursement till FY2025-26).

Size: ₹1 lakh crore.

Objective:

Medium-long term debt financing for viable post-harvest management infra and community farming assets via interest subvention & financial support.

Eligible Beneficiaries:

PACS, Marketing Coops, FPOs, SHGs, Farmers, JLGs, Multipurpose Coops, Agri-entrepreneurs, Startups, Aggregation Infra Providers, Central/State agency/Local Body sponsored PPP Projects.

Eligible Projects:

Supply chain services (e-marketing, warehouses, silos, pack-houses, assaying/grading units, cold chains, logistics, primary processing, ripening chambers). Community farming assets (organic input/bio-stimulant prod units, smart/precision agri infra).

Financial Support:

3% interest subvention p.a. up to ₹2 cr/project (max 7 yrs).
Credit guarantee (CGTMSE) for loans up to ₹2 cr.

Significance:

Addresses post-harvest infra gap (substantial agri produce losses). Promotes value addition, better farmer prices.

Challenges:

Awareness. Project bankability. Timely bank credit disbursal.

C. Formation & Promotion of Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs) Scheme

Ministry: Agri & FW Launch: Feb 2020 Type: Central Sector

Scheme Name: "Formation and Promotion of 10,000 Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs)"

Objective:

Form & promote 10,000 new FPOs by 2027-28 (Budget ₹6,865 cr).

Implementing Agencies (IAs):

SFAC, NCDC, NABARD (NABCONS), NAFED, etc.

Features:

FPOs: Farmer-owned collectives for better access to inputs, tech, credit, markets.
Financial support up to 5 yrs: equity grant (up to ₹15 lakh/FPO), credit guarantee.
"One District One Product" (ODOP) cluster focus.
Handholding, capacity building.

Benefits of FPOs:

Enhanced farmer bargaining power. Economies of scale (input procurement, produce marketing).
Access to better tech, credit, extension. Facilitates value addition/processing. Reduces transaction costs.

Challenges:

FPO sustainability beyond support period. Lack of professional management.
Access to adequate/timely finance. Market linkages, regulatory navigation.
Active member participation/ownership. Farmer heterogeneity within FPO.

Recent Developments:

Focus on credit linkage, market access (e-NAM), capacity building via Cluster Based Business Organizations (CBBOs).

Prelims-ready Notes: 2.1.6

e-NAM: Agri & FW. 2016. SFAC implements. Unified national e-market for agri via APMC integration. Chal: APMC reforms, infra, digital literacy.
AIF: Agri & FW. 2020 (till FY32). ₹1 lakh cr. Debt for post-harvest infra & comm. farming assets. Support: 3% int. subvention (up to ₹2cr/7yrs), credit guarantee. Eligible: PACS, FPOs, SHGs, etc.
FPO Promotion Scheme: Agri & FW. 2020. CS. Form/promote 10,000 new FPOs by 2027-28. Support: financial (equity grant, credit guarantee), capacity building. IAs: SFAC, NABARD, NCDC. ODOP focus.

Scheme	Primary Focus	Key Mechanism/Target	Implementing Agency/Ministry
e-NAM	Unified National e-Market for Agri Produce	Online trading portal networking APMCs.	SFAC (MoA&FW)
AIF	Post-Harvest Mgt Infra & Comm. Farming Assets	₹1L cr fund, int. subvention, credit guarantee.	MoA&FW (via banks, NABARD)
FPO Promotion	Strengthening Farmer Collectives	10,000 new FPOs, fin & capacity support, ODOP.	MoA&FW (via SFAC, NABARD)

Mains-ready Analytical Notes: 2.1.6

Imperative for Marketing Reforms: Traditional markets: fragmented, non-transparent, poor infra, intermediary dominance, low farmer price realization. Reforms crucial for competitive markets, reduced post-harvest loss, better farmer share of consumer rupee.

e-NAM - Potential vs. Ground Reality: Potential: revolutionize agri marketing. Reality: Success depends on state APMC reforms. Actual online inter-state trade low. Infra (assaying, grading) & mindset critical. Dispute resolution, quality assurance needed.

AIF - Bridging Infrastructure Gap: Post-harvest losses substantial (est. ₹92,651 cr annually - CIPHET 2015). AIF addresses via modern infra. Success: project appraisal, credit flow, viable business models. Convergence important.

FPOs - Key to Farmer Empowerment: Crucial for small/marginal farmers (>86%). Benefits: aggregation, bargaining power, access to finance/tech, value add, direct market links. Chal: sustainability, professional mgt, finance, market links. "10,000 FPOs" scheme: focus on quality/sustainability.

Three Farm Laws (Repealed) Context: Aimed at major changes in marketing, contract farming, essential commodities. Repeal highlighted reform complexities. Current focus: strengthen e-NAM, FPOs, AIF; encourage state model APMC acts.

Way Forward for Agri-Marketing: Multi-pronged: e-NAM, FPOs, AIF, APMC reforms, contract farming safeguards, market intelligence. Greater private investment in agri-logistics.

Conclusion for 2.1.6:

Reforming agri-marketing, empowering farmers via FPOs critical for enhancing farm incomes. e-NAM, AIF, FPO scheme are steps in right direction. Success depends on addressing structural issues, enabling infra, capacity building, effective implementation with state/farmer participation.

Overall Relevance for UPSC

Prelims Relevance

Scheme Specifics: Objectives, launch year, nodal ministry, target beneficiaries, key features/components, funding pattern (CS/CSS), recent updates/targets for all major schemes.
Acronyms & Full Forms: PM-KISAN, PMFBY, KCC, PM-AASHA, PMKSY, ABHY, JJM, DRIP, MGNREGS, DAY-NRLM, DDU-GKY, PMGSY, PMAY-G, SPMRM, RGSA, PMMSY, RGM, NLM, AHIDF, e-NAM, AIF, FPO.
Concepts: Blue Revolution, Rurban, Har Khet Ko Pani, Per Drop More Crop, Har Ghar Jal, Social Audit, Geo-tagging, Interest Subvention, MSP, APMC.
Institutions: SFAC, NABARD, NCDC, CWC.

Mains Relevance

GS-II (Welfare, Governance, Social Justice, Federalism):

Critical analysis of scheme performance (achievements, failures, challenges).
Implementation bottlenecks, governance reforms in rural schemes.
Role of PRIs, community participation.
Issues of targeting, leakages, transparency, accountability.
Centre-State relations in CSS implementation.
Impact on vulnerable sections (women, SC/ST, small farmers).

GS-III (Agriculture, Rural Economy, Food Processing, Infra, Budgeting, Inclusive Growth):

Impact on agricultural productivity, diversification, farmer income.
Issues in agricultural credit, insurance, marketing.
Water resource management, irrigation challenges.
Rural employment, livelihood diversification.
Rural infrastructure development and economic impact.
Role of allied sectors in agricultural growth.
Post-harvest management, food processing infrastructure.
Financial implications, subsidy rationalization.

Key Takeaway:

Understanding these schemes is fundamental for answering a wide range of questions across GS papers and potentially in the Essay paper, especially those related to agriculture, rural development, poverty, and inclusive growth. Integrating current affairs (new targets, evaluations, controversies like ABPS in MGNREGS, states withdrawing from PMFBY) is crucial.