Know how the RKVY aims to transform India's agricultural sector. Explore how it supports farmers' growth and strengthens rural development.
The Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (RKVY) was launched in 2007 with the goal of improving the farming sector in India. The Government of India introduced the scheme to enhance investment in farming.
In 2017, it was renamed RKVY-RAFTAAR and continued until 2019-20 with a budget of ₹15,722 crore. The scheme granted states the autonomy to design and implement farming programmes. It helped boost crop production, support farmers, and modernise agriculture.
RKVY played a vital role in strengthening rural livelihoods and providing better opportunities for those reliant on farming.
The scheme is a government initiative aimed at boosting agricultural growth through improved planning and investment. It introduced decentralised planning, enabling states to develop State Agriculture Plans (SAP) and District Agriculture Plans.
The scheme focuses on agro-climatic conditions, ensuring that farmers receive the right technology and resources tailored to local needs.
The Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana aims to develop farming as a central economic activity. Some of the objectives of the scheme are as follows:
This scheme consists of several sub-schemes designed to enhance agricultural productivity and support farmers. Below are some of the sub-schemes under the Rashtriya Krishi Yojana:
Accelerated Fodder Development Programme
Saffron Mission
Crop Diversification Programme
The scheme covers a wide range of sectors, including:
Crop Cultivation and Horticulture
Animal Husbandry and Fisheries
Dairy Development, Agricultural Research, and Education
Forestry and Wildlife
Plantation and Agricultural Marketing
Food Storage and Warehousing
Soil and Water Conservation
The Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana is a state-driven scheme designed to enhance agriculture and allied sectors. Its key features include:
The baseline expenditure is calculated from the average spending of the last three years
Eligibility is determined based on the average expenditure by the state on agriculture
The central government provides 100% funding as a grant
States need to have District Agricultural Plans and State Agricultural Plans
The scheme is incentive-based, so allocations are not automatic
It offers maximum flexibility to states in planning and execution
Agriculture and allied services are addressed in an integrated manner
States need to commit to ongoing projects, even if they fall outside the RKVY budget due to reduced investment
Convergence with other schemes is encouraged for better resource utilisation
The scheme offers several benefits to foster agribusiness development and innovation. These benefits include:
A two-month orientation programme with a stipend of ₹10,000 per month. It provides mentorship on financial, technical, and other aspects.
Provides up to ₹25 Lakhs in funding for Indian start-ups registered with R-ABI. This funding supports the growth and scaling of early-stage agribusiness ventures.
Provides up to ₹5 Lakhs in funding for new agribusiness ideas. It enables entrepreneurs to develop and test their innovative concepts.
The funding is shared in a 60:40 ratio between the central government and the state government. For northeastern and hilly states, the ratio is 90:10. Union territories receive 100% of the funding from the central government.
The eligibility criteria for Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana is given below:
Individual farmers and farmer groups can benefit from the scheme
Applicants must be residents of India
The scheme is for individuals actively engaged in agricultural activities
A valid bank account is required to receive financial assistance
States need to submit the following documents to receive funding under the RKVY project:
This report has to detail physical and financial achievements, along with outcomes, within the specified time frame. It is essential to ensure that all data is accurate and up to date.
These are required for the funds allocated up to the previous financial year. The certificates need to reflect the full utilisation of the funds in line with project guidelines.
To apply for the RKVY-RAFTAAR scheme, the eligible host institutions need to:
Complete the application form in the prescribed format for setting up new agribusiness incubators
Submit the filled application along with the required documents to the following address:
The Joint Secretary
Nodal Division of RKVY-RAFTAAR Scheme
Krishi Bhawan, New Delhi-110001
Telefax: (011) 23382444
The RKVY has made a notable contribution to agricultural development. However, it faces challenges related to awareness, fund utilisation, and weather dependency while holding promising prospects for the future.
Limited awareness among farmers regarding the benefits of the scheme
Inefficient fund utilisation in certain states due to inadequate planning
Dependency on weather conditions impacting the success of agricultural projects
An increased focus on technology to enhance agricultural practices
Greater inclusion of agro-based industries to improve income generation for farmers
The Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (RKVY) was launched in 2007 to support the agricultural sector and foster its growth. The scheme aims to improve overall productivity and infrastructure in agriculture across India.
The Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare introduced the Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana. Its goal is to promote agricultural growth and development throughout the country.
Individual farmers cannot apply directly for RKVY. They can access benefits through their state’s Agriculture Department, which distributes loans, subsidies, or supplies based on RKVY funding.
There is no specific upper age limit for RKVY programs. However, individuals need to be engaged in agricultural activities, and minors are likely to be disqualified from participation.