Introduction
Agriculture is the backbone of the Indian economy, providing livelihood to a significant portion of the population and ensuring food security. The Government of India has launched a plethora of schemes to address the multifaceted challenges faced by the agricultural and allied sectors.
These schemes aim to enhance productivity, ensure remunerative prices for farmers, improve irrigation facilities, promote sustainable agriculture, develop crucial infrastructure, and provide social security to farmers.
This section provides an overview of key government schemes, their objectives, features, and recent developments, crucial for understanding the government's policy thrust in agriculture.
Key Government Schemes
A detailed look into the flagship schemes shaping India's agricultural future.
Launch: February 2019
Ministry: Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare
Type: Central Sector Scheme (100% GoI funding)
Objective: To augment the income of all landholding farmer families, supplement their financial needs for procuring various inputs and domestic needs.
Key Features/Provisions:
- Income Support: ₹6,000 per year per eligible farmer family, in three equal installments of ₹2,000 every four months.
- Definition of Family: Husband, wife, and minor children.
- Identification: Responsibility of State/UT Governments.
- Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT): Funds directly transferred to bank accounts.
Eligibility & Exclusion:
All landholding farmer families are eligible, irrespective of landholding size.
Exclusion Criteria (Key ones): Institutional landholders; former/present MPs/MLAs/Mayors; professionals; income taxpayers; pensioners with ≥ ₹10,000 monthly pension (excluding MTS/Class IV); present/retired government employees.
Current Affairs Link:
- Instrumental during COVID-19.
- Ongoing efforts to weed out ineligible beneficiaries using Aadhar and land record digitization.
- 17th installment released in June 2024.
Launch: Kharif 2016
Ministry: Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare
Objective: Provide comprehensive insurance coverage and financial support to farmers against crop failure due to natural calamities, pests & diseases; stabilize income; encourage innovative practices; ensure credit flow.
Key Features/Provisions:
- Uniform Premium: 2% for Kharif food grain/oilseed; 1.5% for Rabi food grain/oilseed; 5% for annual commercial/horticultural crops. Central & State governments subsidize the difference.
- Coverage of Risks: Yield losses (standing crops), prevented sowing, post-harvest losses (cyclonic/unseasonal rains), localized calamities.
- Use of Technology: Smartphones for CCEs, satellite imagery, drones, National Crop Insurance Portal.
Revamped PMFBY (Kharif 2020 onwards):
- Voluntary: For all farmers (earlier compulsory for loanee farmers).
- Flexibility to States: To select risk coverage.
- Central Subsidy: Limited to 30% for unirrigated and 25% for irrigated areas.
Current Affairs Link:
- Some states opted out (e.g., Gujarat, Bihar, WB) citing high premiums/delays, some rejoined (e.g., AP).
- Emphasis on timely claim settlement and streamlined processes (IRDAI).
- YES-Tech (Yield Estimation System based on Technology) and WINDS (Weather Information Network and Data System) initiatives to enhance data.
Launch: 2015
Ministries Involved: Agri & Farmers Welfare (PDMC), Jal Shakti (HKKP, AIBP), Rural Development (Watershed Development).
Objective: Enhance physical access of water on farm, expand cultivable area under assured irrigation, improve on-farm water use efficiency, introduce sustainable water conservation. Vision: "Har Khet Ko Pani" & "More crop per drop."
Components:
- Accelerated Irrigation Benefit Programme (AIBP): Faster completion of major/medium irrigation projects (Min of Jal Shakti).
- Har Khet Ko Pani (HKKP): New water sources, repair/restoration of water bodies, command area development (Min of Jal Shakti).
- Per Drop More Crop (PDMC): Promoting efficient water application (drips, sprinklers). Micro Irrigation Fund (MIF) with NABARD. (Dept of Agri & Farmers Welfare).
- Watershed Development Component (WDC): Soil/water conservation, groundwater regeneration, extension activities (Dept of Land Resources, Min of Rural Development).
Current Affairs Link:
- Approved for 2021-26 with outlay of ₹93,068 crore.
- Continued focus on micro-irrigation (75.7 lakh hectares covered as of March 2023).
- Integration with MGNREGS for water conservation.
Launch: February 2015
Ministry: Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare
Objective: Issue Soil Health Cards to farmers every 2 years to address nutritional deficiencies, promote soil testing and balanced use of fertilizers, enhance productivity and soil health.
Key Features/Provisions:
- Soil Testing: Samples tested in labs.
- 12 Parameters: N, P, K, S, Zn, Fe, Cu, Mn, Bo, pH, EC, OC.
- Recommendations: Crop-wise nutrient and fertilizer application.
- Cost Reduction: Promotes balanced fertilization, aiming to reduce cultivation costs.
Implementation:
GPS-based sampling, lab testing, card generation. Village-level soil testing labs also being set up.
Current Affairs Link:
- Scheme in its second cycle.
- Focus on awareness among farmers and integration with organic farming schemes.
- Reported 8-10% decrease in chemical fertilizer use and 5-6% increase in crop yields where recommendations were followed.
Launch: July 2020 (as part of Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan)
Ministry: Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare
Type: Central Sector Scheme
Objective: Provide medium-long term debt financing for investment in viable projects for post-harvest management infrastructure and community farming assets.
Key Features/Provisions:
- Financial Facility: ₹1 lakh crore to be disbursed by FY 2025-26. Loans up to ₹2 crore.
- Beneficiaries: PACS, Marketing Co-op Societies, FPOs, SHGs, farmers, agri-entrepreneurs, startups, etc.
- Interest Subvention: 3% per annum up to ₹2 crore per project for max 7 years.
- Credit Guarantee: Available under CGTMSE for loans up to ₹2 crore.
- Eligible Projects: Warehouses, silos, cold chains, processing units, e-marketing platforms, organic input production, precision agriculture infrastructure.
Current Affairs Link:
- As of March 2024, projects worth >₹46,000 crore sanctioned, disbursements >₹26,000 crore.
- Focus on convergence with other schemes (e.g., PMMSY, Animal Husbandry Infrastructure Development Fund).
National Livestock Mission (NLM)
Launch: Restructured 2014-15; realigned from 2021-22
Ministry: Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying
Objective: Quantitative and qualitative improvement in livestock production systems and capacity building, entrepreneurship, fodder development.
Sub-Missions (from 2021-22):
- Breed Development of Livestock & Poultry.
- Feed and Fodder Development.
- Innovation and Extension.
- Entrepreneurship Development and Employment Generation (capital subsidy for piggery, sheep, goat, poultry, feed/fodder).
Rashtriya Gokul Mission (RGM)
Launch: December 2014
Ministry: Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying
Objective: Development and conservation of indigenous bovine breeds, enhancing milk production and productivity.
Key Components:
- Gokul Grams (indigenous cattle development centres).
- Awards (Gopal Ratna, Kamdhenu).
- Promotion of Artificial Insemination (AI) with sex-sorted semen.
- E-Pashu Haat portal.
Current Affairs Link:
- NLM portal for online application.
- Sex-sorted semen technology promoting female calves.
- Focus on Pashu Sanjivni (animal UID) and Nakul Swasthya Patra (animal health cards).
- Mobile Veterinary Units (MVUs) being established.
Launch: September 2020
Ministry: Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying
Type: Central Sector & Centrally Sponsored Scheme
Duration: 5 years (FY 2020-21 to FY 2024-25)
Budget: ₹20,050 crores (highest ever in fisheries sector)
Objective:
- Harness fisheries potential sustainably.
- Enhance fish production and productivity.
- Modernize value chain - post-harvest management, quality.
- Doubling fishers'/fish farmers’ incomes, employment generation.
- Robust fisheries management and regulatory framework.
Key Thrust Areas:
- Aquaculture development, mariculture, seaweed cultivation.
- Post-harvest infrastructure (harbours, cold chains, processing).
- Deep-sea fishing vessels, welfare of fishers.
Current Affairs Link:
- Push for fishing harbours, cold chains, processing units.
- Promotion of RAS (Re-circulatory Aquaculture Systems) and Biofloc technologies.
- Focus on seaweed cultivation as alternative livelihood.
- FIDF (Fisheries and Aquaculture Infrastructure Development Fund) continues support.
Honey Mission (National Beekeeping & Honey Mission - NBHM)
Launch: Approved in 2020 (Atmanirbhar Bharat)
Implementing Body: National Bee Board (NBB) under Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare.
Objective: Overall promotion of scientific beekeeping to achieve 'Sweet Revolution' (honey production, pollination, employment).
Key Components:
- Awareness, capacity building & training.
- Support for beekeeping infrastructure (apiaries, processing units).
- Research & Development.
- Marketing support, quality control.
Current Affairs Link:
- 100 FPOs for beekeepers being established.
- Development of traceability systems for honey quality and exports.
- Emphasis on GI tagging for distinct honey varieties.
Dairy Development
Supported through various schemes, primarily under the Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying. Rashtriya Gokul Mission (above) is key.
Other Supporting Schemes:
- National Programme for Dairy Development (NPDD): Infra for quality milk production, procurement, processing, marketing.
- Dairy Processing and Infrastructure Development Fund (DIDF): Modernize milk processing infra (with NABARD).
- Supporting Dairy Cooperatives and FPOs.
Current Affairs Link:
- India is largest milk producer globally; focus on improving productivity per animal.
- Efforts to control animal diseases (FMD, Brucellosis) via National Animal Disease Control Programme (NADCP).
- Promotion of dairy entrepreneurship.
Key Schemes: Snapshot
| Scheme | Launch Year | Ministry | Core Objective | Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PM-KISAN | 2019 | Agriculture & Farmers Welfare | Income support to all landholding farmer families | Central Sector |
| PMFBY | 2016 | Agriculture & Farmers Welfare | Crop insurance against natural calamities, pests & diseases | Centrally Sponsored |
| PMKSY | 2015 | Agri, Jal Shakti, Rural Dev. | 'Har Khet Ko Pani', 'Per Drop More Crop' (irrigation & water efficiency) | Multiple |
| Soil Health Card | 2015 | Agriculture & Farmers Welfare | Issue soil health cards, promote balanced fertilizer use | Centrally Sponsored |
| AIF | 2020 | Agriculture & Farmers Welfare | Finance post-harvest management infrastructure & community farming assets | Central Sector |
| NLM | 2014 (realigned 2021) | Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying | Improve livestock production, entrepreneurship, feed/fodder | Centrally Sponsored |
| RGM | 2014 | Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying | Conserve/develop indigenous bovine breeds, enhance milk production | Centrally Sponsored |
| PMMSY | 2020 | Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying | 'Blue Revolution' - sustainable development of fisheries sector | Mixed |
| NBHM | 2020 | Agriculture & Farmers Welfare (via NBB) | 'Sweet Revolution' - promote scientific beekeeping, enhance honey production | Centrally Sponsored |
Conclusion & Way Forward
The array of government schemes in agriculture and allied sectors reflects a comprehensive approach to address the diverse needs of Indian farmers and the sector's structural challenges.
Significance
- Income Enhancement: Direct income support (PM-KISAN).
- Risk Mitigation: Safety net against crop losses (PMFBY).
- Resource Efficiency: Efficient use of water, fertilizers (PMKSY, Soil Health Card).
- Infrastructure Development: Post-harvest, processing infrastructure (AIF, PMMSY, DIDF).
- Diversification & Allied Activities: Livestock, fisheries, beekeeping (NLM, RGM, PMMSY, NBHM).
- Sustainability: Soil health, water conservation, indigenous breeds for sustainable practices.
Way Forward
- Effective Implementation & Last-Mile Delivery (DBT, JAM trinity, AI, GIS).
- Awareness & Capacity Building for farmers.
- Convergence of Schemes to maximize impact.
- Strengthening FPOs for better bargaining power.
- Climate Resilience integration into schemes.
- Market Reforms (e-NAM, contract farming).
- Data-Driven Policy Making, regular evaluation.
Continuous evolution and adaptive policymaking are vital to ensure India's agricultural sector not only thrives but also supports a truly prosperous and resilient rural economy.
Prelims-ready Notes
- ₹6000/year, 3 installments, Central Sector, all landholders (with exclusions).
- Crop insurance. Kharif 2%, Rabi 1.5%, Commercial/Horticultural 5% premium by farmer. Revamped: Voluntary, state flexibility. YES-Tech, WINDS.
- 'Har Khet Ko Pani' & 'Per Drop More Crop'. Components: AIBP, HKKP (Jal Shakti), PDMC (Agri), WDC (Rural Dev). Micro Irrigation Fund with NABARD.
- Every 2 years. 12 parameters. Promotes balanced fertilization.
- ₹1 lakh cr fund for post-harvest & community farm assets. 3% interest subvention on loans up to ₹2 cr. Credit guarantee via CGTMSE.
- NLM: Breed development (livestock/poultry), feed/fodder, innovation, entrepreneurship.
- RGM: Indigenous bovine breeds. Gokul Grams, National Kamdhenu Breeding Centres, E-Pashu Haat, Sex-sorted semen, Mobile Veterinary Units.
- Blue Revolution. ₹20,050 cr (FY21-FY25). Focus on production, productivity, infra, welfare in fisheries. RAS, Biofloc, seaweed.
- NBHM (Honey): Sweet Revolution. Implemented by National Bee Board. FPOs for beekeepers.
- Dairy Development: NPDD (infra), DIDF (processing infra with NABARD), NADCP (disease control).
Mains-ready Analytical Notes
Income Support (PM-KISAN) vs. Investment Support (AIF, PMKSY):
- Pros of Income: Direct relief, immediate needs, demand stimulus.
- Cons of Income: Not for long-term asset creation, insufficient amount, doesn't address structural issues.
- Investment Support: Creates assets, improves productivity, long-term benefits but delayed.
Effectiveness of PMFBY:
- Pros: Comprehensive risk coverage, technology use, low farmer premium.
- Cons: High premium burden on states, delays in claim settlement, issues with loss assessment (basis risk), state withdrawals, moral hazard.
Other Debates:
- Sustainability of Schemes: Financial burden on exchequer, long-term viability.
- Centralization vs. Decentralization: Balance for local specificities vs. national objectives.
- Targeting and Exclusion Errors: Ensuring benefits reach genuinely needy, minimizing ineligible beneficiaries.
Shift to Income-centric approach
From production-centric (Green Revolution) to farmer welfare & income (PM-KISAN, doubling income goal).
Increasing focus on Allied Sectors
Recognition that cropping income alone is insufficient (NLM, PMMSY, NBHM for diversification).
Emphasis on Sustainability
Soil Health Card, micro-irrigation (PMKSY), organic farming initiatives.
Technology Adoption
Increasing use of DBT, GIS, drones, AI, mobile apps in scheme implementation and monitoring.
Infrastructure Development
Shift to developing post-harvest infrastructure (AIF) to reduce losses and improve value realization.
- Doubling Farmers' Income: Many schemes aligned with this goal (Ashok Dalwai Committee).
- Atmanirbhar Bharat: AIF, PMMSY, NBHM aim for self-reliance and exports.
- Climate Change Resilience: PMFBY mitigates risks, PMKSY promotes water conservation. Growing need for climate-smart schemes.
- Employment Generation: Allied sector schemes (NLM, PMMSY, NBHM) and AIF have rural employment potential.
- Nutritional Security: Promoting millets, pulses, horticulture, fisheries, dairy for diverse food basket (POSHAN Abhiyaan alignment).
- PM-KISAN: Over 11 crore farmer families benefited; >₹3 lakh crore transferred (June 2024).
- PMFBY: Claims worth >₹1.55 lakh crore paid to ~13.6 crore farmer applications (till Oct 2023).
- AIF: Sanctions >₹46,000 crore for >60,000 projects; disbursements >₹26,000 crore (March 2024).
- Soil Health Cards: NPC studies show 8-10% decrease in chemical fertilizer use, 5-6% increase in productivity (where SHC followed).
- PMMSY: Aims to enhance India's fish production to 22 MMT by 2024-25 from 14.16 MMT (2019-20).
- Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): Schemes contribute to SDG 1, 2, 6, 8, 12, 13.
- Committee Recommendations: Link to Ashok Dalwai Committee (Doubling Farmers' Income), M.S. Swaminathan Commission.
- Global Reports: Impact on Global Hunger Index, FAO Food Security Reports.
- Other Related Schemes: Kisan Credit Card (KCC), e-NAM (National Agriculture Market).
UPSC Previous Year Questions (PYQs)
Test your understanding with past UPSC questions.
Prelims MCQs
Consider the following statements:
- The nation-wide ‘Soil Health Card Scheme’ aims at expanding the cultivable area under irrigation.
- It aims at enabling the banks to assess the quantum of loans to be granted to farmers on the basis of soil quality.
- It aims at checking the overuse of fertilizers in farmlands.
Which of the above statements is/are correct?
- (a) 1 and 2 only
- (b) 3 only
- (c) 2 and 3 only
- (d) 1, 2 and 3
Answer: (b)
Explanation: Statement 1 is incorrect (related to PMKSY). Statement 2 is incorrect (not its primary aim). Statement 3 is correct.
Under the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN) scheme, direct income support of ₹6000 per year is provided to farmer families. This support is given to:
- (a) All landholding farmer families irrespective of their landholding size.
- (b) Only small and marginal farmers with landholding up to 2 hectares.
- (c) Only landless agricultural labourers.
- (d) All farmers who are not income tax payees and do not hold institutional land.
Answer: (a)
Explanation: Initially, it was for small and marginal farmers, but later extended to all landholding farmers, subject to certain exclusion criteria (like income tax payees, institutional landholders, etc.). Option (a) is the broader current scope before exclusions, which is often the intent of such options in Prelims. A more precise option would explicitly mention "eligible" families with exclusions.
With reference to Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana, consider the following statements:
- Under this scheme, farmers will have to pay a uniform premium of two percent for any crop they cultivate in any season of the year.
- This scheme covers post-harvest losses arising out of cyclones and unseasonal rains.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- (a) 1 only
- (b) 2 only
- (c) Both 1 and 2
- (d) Neither 1 nor 2
Answer: (b)
Explanation: Statement 1 is incorrect; premium rates are 2% for Kharif, 1.5% for Rabi, and 5% for commercial/horticultural crops. Statement 2 is correct.
Mains Questions
"What are the major challenges in the implementation of PM Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY) in India? How can it be made more effective and farmer-friendly?"
Direction:
- Challenges for PMFBY: High premium burden for states, delays in claim settlement, issues in loss assessment (basis risk, lack of sufficient CCEs), low awareness, complex documentation, role of insurance companies (profit motive vs. welfare), data discrepancies.
- Making it effective: Greater use of technology (drones, satellite imagery for faster/accurate assessment), timely premium subsidy release by govts, simplified enrollment and claim process, capacity building for farmers and officials, making it truly voluntary and attractive, grievance redressal mechanism.
"The Agriculture Infrastructure Fund (AIF) aims to address the gaps in post-harvest management infrastructure. Evaluate its potential to enhance farmers' income and reduce agricultural wastage."
Direction:
- Potential of AIF: Reducing post-harvest losses (currently high), better storage facilities (less distress sale), value addition opportunities, improved market access, collective bargaining for FPOs/community assets, job creation in rural areas.
- Evaluation: Progress so far (sanctions, disbursements), challenges (awareness, bank reluctance for small projects, capacity building for beneficiaries to prepare viable DPRs, ensuring inclusivity for small/marginal farmers).
"Government schemes like PMKSY, Soil Health Card, and National Beekeeping & Honey Mission aim to promote sustainable and diversified agriculture. Analyze their synergistic impact and identify remaining gaps."
Direction:
- Synergistic Impact: PMKSY (water efficiency) enables diversification to less water-intensive but high-value crops. SHC (soil information) helps choose suitable alternative crops. NBHM (beekeeping) provides additional income and improves pollination for diversified crops.
- Remaining Gaps: Market linkages for diversified produce, MSP primarily for wheat/paddy disincentivizes diversification, lack of processing facilities for new crops, R&D for region-specific alternative crops, risk perception among farmers.
Trend Analysis (Last 10 Years)
Prelims Trends
- Focus on key objectives, eligibility, financial outlays, nodal ministries of major flagship schemes.
- Tests understanding of subtle distinctions or recent changes (e.g., voluntary vs. compulsory).
- Application-based questions or testing the "why" behind specific provisions.
Mains Trends
- Shift from description to critical evaluation of scheme performance, impact, and challenges.
- Linking schemes to broader issues: farmer income, crop diversification, sustainability, market reforms, infrastructure.
- Emphasis on practical solutions and way forward.
- Interlinking various schemes and assessing collective impact.
- Awareness of committee reports, official data, and current debates is crucial.
Original MCQs for Prelims
Which of the following statements regarding the Agriculture Infrastructure Fund (AIF) is/are correct?
- It provides short-term loans exclusively to Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs) for purchasing agricultural inputs.
- The scheme offers an interest subvention of 3% per annum on loans up to ₹2 crore.
- It is implemented by NABARD in collaboration with the Ministry of Finance.
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
- (a) 1 and 3 only
- (b) 2 only
- (c) 2 and 3 only
- (d) 1, 2 and 3
Answer: (b)
Explanation: Statement 1 is incorrect; AIF provides medium to long-term debt financing for post-harvest infrastructure and community farming assets, not short-term loans for inputs, and beneficiaries include PACS, SHGs, farmers, startups etc., not just FPOs. Statement 3 is incorrect; it is implemented by the Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare, though NABARD is involved in managing the Micro Irrigation Fund and DIDF, AIF is distinct. Statement 2 is correct.
Consider the following components/initiatives:
- Per Drop More Crop
- Gokul Grams
- National Crop Insurance Portal
- Soil Health Card issuance
Which of the above are associated with the Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY)?
- (a) 1 only
- (b) 1 and 4 only
- (c) 1, 2 and 3 only
- (d) All of the above
Answer: (a)
Explanation: 'Per Drop More Crop' is a key component of PMKSY. Gokul Grams are under Rashtriya Gokul Mission. The National Crop Insurance Portal is part of PMFBY. Soil Health Card is a separate scheme, though its objectives complement PMKSY.
Under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY), which of the following activities are promoted?
- Development of inland fisheries and aquaculture.
- Establishment of fishing harbours and cold chains.
- Seaweed cultivation and ornamental fisheries.
- Provision of crop insurance for losses in aquaculture.
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
- (a) 1 and 2 only
- (b) 1, 2 and 3 only
- (c) 3 and 4 only
- (d) 1, 2, 3 and 4
Answer: (b)
Explanation: PMMSY covers development of inland and marine fisheries, aquaculture, infrastructure like fishing harbours and cold chains, and diversification into areas like seaweed cultivation and ornamental fisheries. While it aims to reduce risks and ensure fisher welfare, specific "crop insurance" for aquaculture in the same vein as PMFBY for agricultural crops is not its direct component; rather it focuses on risk management frameworks and strengthening value chains. However, insurance for fishing vessels and gear, and group accident insurance schemes for active fishers are covered. Statement 4 is a bit ambiguous; PMFBY's framework is not directly replicated, but risk mitigation is a goal. The core activities are definitely 1, 2, and 3.
Original Descriptive Questions for Mains
"While direct income support schemes like PM-KISAN provide immediate relief, sustainable agricultural development requires a robust infrastructure and efficient resource management." Critically examine this statement in the context of recent government initiatives in the agriculture sector in India.
Key Points/Structure for Answering:
- Introduction: Acknowledge the dual approach of government: immediate relief and long-term development.
- Role and Impact of PM-KISAN: Discuss its benefits (liquidity, meeting urgent needs) and limitations (sufficiency of amount, not addressing structural issues).
- Importance of Infrastructure & Resource Management: Elaborate on how schemes like AIF (post-harvest infra), PMKSY (irrigation, water efficiency), Soil Health Card (soil fertility), and e-NAM (market infra) contribute to long-term sustainability, productivity, and income enhancement.
- Critical Examination:
- Are income support and investment mutually exclusive or complementary?
- Challenges in implementation of infra/resource management schemes (gestation period, funding, coordination).
- Sufficiency and effectiveness of current infra/resource management schemes.
- Synergy and Way Forward: Need for a balanced approach, better convergence of schemes, and addressing implementation bottlenecks.
- Conclusion: Reiterate that both approaches are vital for holistic agricultural development.
Indian agriculture is increasingly vulnerable to climate change and market volatility. How far have schemes like PM Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY) and the promotion of Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs) been successful in addressing these challenges? What further measures are needed?
Key Points/Structure for Answering:
- Introduction: Briefly state the twin challenges of climate change (erratic weather, pest attacks) and market volatility (price fluctuations) for Indian agriculture.
- Role and Success of PMFBY:
- Objective: Mitigate weather-related crop losses.
- Successes: Coverage expansion, technology use.
- Shortcomings: Basis risk, claim delays, high state burden, awareness gaps.
- Role and Success of FPOs:
- Objective: Enhance farmers' bargaining power, market access, input procurement, value addition.
- Successes: Collective action, better price realization in some cases, access to credit/technology.
- Shortcomings: Limited scale and geographical spread, governance issues, capital constraints, lack of professional management.
- Addressing Challenges: How effectively have they mitigated climate risks (PMFBY) and market risks (FPOs)? Analyze gaps.
- Further Measures Needed:
- For PMFBY: Greater use of technology for loss assessment (e.g., individual farm-level assessment where feasible), faster claim settlement, greater state flexibility and capacity building, weather index-based insurance options.
- For FPOs: Financial support (credit, equity), capacity building (management, marketing), policy support (market linkages, infrastructure), promoting FPO federations.
- Integrating climate-resilient practices, promoting agro-advisory services.
- Conclusion: Acknowledge the positive steps taken, but emphasize the need for continuous improvement, innovation, and scaled-up efforts to build resilient and profitable agriculture.