Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana

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 Crores. 

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. 

Previously, RKVY encouraged targeted public investment by allowing customised projects that reflect local agro-climatic needs. State Level Sanctioning Committees sanctioned the schemes, enabling timely release of funds for high-impact interventions. The funding norms included differentiated Centre–state shares for special regions and full grants for Union Territories. 

From 2017, RKVY-RAFTAAR prioritised capacity building, technology adoption, and agribusiness incubation alongside infrastructure for storage and processing. By funding both physical assets and entrepreneurship, the initiative aims to lower cultivation risks, foster value-added activities and create sustainable incomes for farmers. 

In 2024, seven Central sponsored schemes were merged under the previous RKVY scheme and restructured as a cafeteria scheme. This was done as per the recommendations and feedback of the Expenditure Finance Committee, NITI Aayog, and state governments. The schem was renamed as the Prime Minister-Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojna (PM-RKVY). 

The Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana scheme aims to develop farming as a central economic activity. Some of the objectives of the scheme are as follows: 

Higher Farmer Income

Encouraging productivity and value chain-based production models that benefit farmers

Risk Mitigation

Strengthening farmers' efforts and promoting agri-business entrepreneurship through the development of agricultural infrastructure

State Autonomy

Granting states the freedom to create and implement agricultural plans based on local needs

Income Diversification

Reducing farmers' risks by promoting activities such as mushroom cultivation, floriculture, and integrated farming

Youth Empowerment

Supporting skill development, innovation, and agri-business opportunities for young individuals

The PM - RKVY scheme offers financial assistance for various agricultural activities to promote growth and diversification in the sector. Here are some of its notable features: 

• Increase in Public Investment: It encourages states to increase public investment in agriculture and allied sectors. 
• Flexibility to States: States are given the flexibility to create strategic plans and reallocate funds to suit their local needs. 
• Infrastructure development: It focuses on development of pre-harvest and post-harvest infrastructure, including improvement of storage and marketing facilities, to strengthen the efforts of farmers. 
• Income Generation: It aims to increase farmers' income by promoting value chain enhancement and agri-business models. 
• Skill Development and Entrepreneurship: It also focuses on empowering the youth through agricultural entrepreneurship and skill development, so that they are attracted towards the agriculture sector. 
• Sustainable and Modern Agriculture: It works to promote climate change-sensitive agriculture, nutritional security and agro-based industries. 

The PMRKVY scheme is to increase efficacy and efficiency, ensure convergence, avoid duplications, and provide planning flexibility for the state governments. Here are the components of the PMRKVY: 

• Detailed Project Report (DPR)

• Crop Diversification Programme (CDP)

• Per Drop More Crop (PDMC)

• Rain Fed Area Development (RAD)

• Soil Health and Fertility (SH&F)

• Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojna (PKVY)

• Sub-Mission on Agriculture Mechanisation (SMAM) including Management of Crop Residue (CRM)

• Accelerated Fund for Agri Start-Up

• Agro-Forestry

The restructured PM-RKVY and its sub-schemes will continue as centrally sponsored schemes with their implementation covering 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

Each state becomes eligible to receive funds under PMRKVY only if it meets certain conditions: 

• Maintaining Expenditure Levels:

The base share of expenditure on agriculture and allied sectors in the State Plan (excluding RKVY funds) must be maintained or increased.

• Formulation of Plans:

Both District Agriculture Plans (DAPs) and State Agriculture Plans (SAPs) must be prepared.

• Defining Base Expenditure: 

The base level expenditure is defined as the minimum percentage share of spending on agriculture and related sectors over the three financial years preceding the previous year.

• Agro-related Expenditure: 

To qualify, the average expenditure share in agriculture and related sectors over the last three years must be equal to or higher than this base level. 

To apply for the Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana scheme, applicants must submit specific documents to ensure transparency and smooth fund allocation. These include: 

• Identity Proof: Aadhaar card or any other valid government-issued ID for verification.
• Bank Details: Active bank account information for fund transfer purposes.
• Approvals: Sanction letters or approvals issued by the State Level Sanctioning Committee (SLSC).
• Financial Records: Details of past expenditure and budget allocation for proposed projects.
• Agriculture Plans: Copies of State and District Agriculture Plans (SAP and DAP).
• Project Documentation: Detailed Project Reports (DPRs) or proposals for activities planned under the scheme.
• Utilisation Certificates: Proof of 100% fund utilisation from the previous financial year.
• Performance Reports: Quarterly reports highlighting both physical and financial progress achieved within the specified timeframe. 

RKVY is a central scheme implemented by state governments. Hence, the exact procedures, forms, and documentation requirements may vary from state to state as well as with each sub-scheme. Here are the generic steps to apply for the Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (RKVY) scheme, applicable across different states in India:

1. Identify Eligibility: Check if you qualify as a farmer, Farmer Producer Organisation (FPO), cooperative, agri-entrepreneur, or other eligible entity under RKVY guidelines.
2. Prepare Project Proposal: Create a Detailed Project Report (DPR) or project proposal including objectives, activities, expected outcomes, timelines, and budget.
3. Contact Local Agriculture Office: Visit your nearest State or District Agriculture Department office or Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK) to obtain application forms and guidance on preparing your proposal.
4. Submit Application: Submit your proposal/application along with necessary documents such as identification, land ownership proof, and project details either online (if available) or offline at the designated government agriculture office.
5. Screening and Approval: Your application will be reviewed by the State-Level Project Screening Committee (SLPSC), followed by approval from the State-Level Sanctioning Committee (SLSC).
6. Project Sanction and Fund Release: Once approved, funds or subsidies are sanctioned and released for implementing the project.
7. Implement Project: Carry out the project as per approved plan and timelines, maintaining required documentation and reporting to authorities.
8. Monitoring and Reporting: The project will be periodically monitored and progress reports will need to be submitted as per guidelines to ensure compliance and successful completion.

Note: It is best to check with your state agriculture department for precise instructions. 

The allied sectors covered under the Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (PM-RKVY) include Crop Husbandry, Animal Husbandry, Dairy Development, Fisheries, Agricultural Research and Education, Agricultural Marketing, Food Storage and Warehousing, Soil and Water Conservation, and Agricultural Financial Institutions. 

• Crop Husbandry: Activities related to growing crops and horticulture. 
• Animal Husbandry and Dairy Development: Includes sectors like dairy farming and livestock management. 
• Fisheries: Supports the development of the fisheries sector. 
• Agricultural Research and Education: Covers initiatives for advancing agricultural knowledge and education. 
• Agricultural Marketing: Includes efforts to improve the marketing of agricultural products. 
• Food Storage and Warehousing: Supports the establishment and improvement of food storage facilities. 
• Soil and Water Conservation: Focuses on projects for soil health and water management. 
• Agricultural Financial Institutions: Supports agricultural credit and financial services. 
• Plantations: Includes sectors like tea, coffee, rubber, and others mentioned in the scheme guidelines. 
• Forestry and Wildlife: Covers activities related to the forestry sector. 
• Other Programs: Includes a wide range of other programs and activities related to agriculture and cooperation.

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. 

Challenges

• 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

Future Prospects

• 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 (PM-RKVY) continues to strengthen India’s agricultural foundation by encouraging innovation, investment, and state-driven planning. By focusing on region-specific needs, it supports sustainable growth and improves farmers’ livelihoods. The scheme promotes flexibility and collaboration between the Centre and States to boost productivity and income. 

Just as a business loan helps entrepreneurs expand their ventures, this scheme empowers farmers to strengthen their agricultural practices and achieve long-term growth with confidence. With continued focus on modernisation and agri-entrepreneurship, PM-RKVY remains a crucial step towards making Indian agriculture more resilient, inclusive, and future-ready.