Agriculture, along with its allied sectors, is unquestionably the most important sector in India. It also contributes significantly to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP). Sustainable agriculture is essential for holistic rural development in terms of food security, rural employment, and environmentally sustainable technologies such as soil conservation, sustainable natural resource management, and biodiversity protection. A green revolution, a white revolution, a yellow revolution, and a blue revolution have all occurred in Indian agriculture and related activities. In this article, we will discuss Various Agricultural Initiatives which will be helpful for UPSC exam preparation.

Green Revolution Krishonnati Yojana

• In 2005, the Indian government launched the Green Revolution Krishonnati Yojana to help the agriculture sector.
• The government intends to develop the agriculture and allied sectors in a holistic and scientific manner in order to increase farmer income.
• The scheme aims to boost agricultural production, productivity, and produce returns.
• The scheme's various missions will contribute to the government's goal of doubling farmer income by 2022.
• Under a single umbrella scheme, it consists of 11 schemes and missions:
  • Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture (MIDH)
  • National Food Security Mission (NFSM)
  • National Mission for Sustainable Agriculture (NMSA)
  • Sub-Mission on Agriculture Extension (SMAE)
  • Sub-Mission on Seeds and Planting Material (SMSP)
  • Sub-Mission on Agricultural Mechanisation (SMAM)
  • Sub-Mission on Plant Protection and Plant Quarantine (SMPPQ)
  • Integrated Scheme on Agricultural Census, Economics and Statistics (ISACES)
  • Integrated Scheme on Agricultural Cooperation (ISAC)
  • Integrated Scheme on Agricultural Marketing (ISAM)
  • National e-Governance Plan in Agriculture (NeGP-A)

Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture (MIDH)

• The Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture (MIDH) is a plan for the holistic growth and development of the Indian horticulture sector.
• MIDH is a Centrally Sponsored Scheme that was implemented by the Agriculture Ministry in 2014-15 as part of the Green Revolution Krishonnati Yojana.
• This Centrally Sponsored Scheme includes vegetables, fruits, roots and tuber crops, aromatic plants, flowers, spices, bamboo, coconut, cashew, and cocoa.
• MIDH also provides technical assistance and advice to state horticultural missions, the Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (RKVY), the Saffron Mission, and the National Mission for Sustainable Agriculture (NMSA).
• The scheme's horticulture improvement strategies include technology promotion, research, post-harvest management, extension, processing, and marketing.

*For detailed notes of this topic, check this link Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture (MIDH)

National Food Security Mission (NFSM)

• In 2007, the Government of India launched the 'National Food Security Mission,' a Centrally Sponsored Scheme, in response to stagnant food grain production and an increasing consumption need of the country's growing population.
• The scheme was launched in response to the recommendation of the National Development Council's agriculture subcommittee (NDC).
• The Mission was a resounding success, with additional rice, wheat, and pulse production exceeding expectations.
• The Mission continued during the 12th Five Year Plan, with new targets of additional food grain production of 25 million tonnes by the end of the 12th Five Year Plan, consisting of 10 million tonnes rice, 8 million tonnes wheat, 4 million tonnes pulses, and 3 million tonnes coarse cereals.

*For detailed notes of this topic, check this link National Food Security Mission (NFSM)

National Mission for Sustainable Agriculture (NMSA)

• The National Mission for Sustainable Agriculture (NMSA) is one of eight Missions under the National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC).
• It aims to address 'Sustainable Agriculture' issues in the context of climate change risks by developing appropriate adaptation and mitigation strategies for ensuring food security, equitable access to food resources, enhancing livelihood opportunities, and contributing to national economic stability.
• The Mission recognises that the risks to the Indian agriculture sector from climatic variability and extreme events would be exacerbated at multiple levels, including crop or livestock, farm or cropping system, and food system.

*For detailed notes of this topic, check this link National Mission for Sustainable Agriculture (NMSA)

Sub-Mission on Agriculture Extension (SMAE)

• SMAE aims to achieve food and nutritional security as well as farmer socioeconomic empowerment.
• To foster effective linkages and synergies among various stakeholders, as well as to promote widespread and innovative use of electronic/print media, inter-personal communication, and ICT tools, among others.

Sub-Mission on Seeds and Planting Material (SMSP)

• SMSP aims to increase certified/high-quality seed production.
• Strengthening the seed multiplication chain and modernising infrastructure for seed production, storage, certification, and quality, among other things.
• Promoting new technologies and methodologies in seed production, processing, testing, etc.

Sub-Mission on Agricultural Mechanisation (SMAM)

• SMAM aims to expand farm mechanization's reach to small and marginal farmers, as well as to regions where farm power is scarce.
• It will promote 'Custom Hiring Centers' to offset the negative economies of scale caused by small landholding and the high cost of individual ownership.
• It will establish hubs for high-tech and high-value farm equipment and raise awareness among stakeholders through demonstration and capacity-building activities.

National Horticulture Mission (NHM)

• A Centrally Sponsored Scheme, the National Horticulture Mission, has been launched to promote holistic growth of the horticulture sector through area-based regionally differentiated strategies.
• The scheme is fully funded by the government, and the various components proposed for implementation are financially supported according to the scales established.
• The National Horticulture Mission (NHM) is being implemented in all Indian states and union territories, with the exception of the North Eastern States, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir, and Uttaranchal.
• For these states a separate Technology Mission for integrated horticulture development exists to promote holistic growth of the horticulture sector, which includes fruits, vegetables, roots and tuber crops, mushrooms, spices, flowers, aromatic plants, cashew, and cocoa.

*For detailed notes of this topic, check this link National Horticulture Mission (NHM)

Soil Health Card (SHC) Scheme

• The Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers' Welfare Department of Agriculture & Co-operation promotes the Soil Health Card (SHC), a programme of the Government of India.
• The Department of Agriculture of each State and Union Territory Government is responsible for implementing its action.
• The Soil Health Card programme aims to educate each farmer about the status of their farm's soil nutrients and provide guidance on the amount of fertiliser to use and how to apply soil amendments in order to preserve soil health over the long term.
• This programme is being implemented across all the States and Union Territories,.
• The Soil Health Card SHC programme calls for the State Governments to analyse the composition of the soil once every three years so that corrective action can be taken to improve soil nutrients.

*For detailed notes of this topic, check this link Soil Health Card (SHC) scheme

Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana (PKVY)

• Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana, or the Traditional Farming Improvement program is one of the sub-components of National Mission of Sustainable Agriculture's Soil Health Management (SHM) program.
• Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana or PKVY was launched in April 2015.
• PGS-India or Participatory Guarantee System of India is a quality assurance initiative that strengthens the participation of stakeholders in the quality assurance of organic farming.
• The Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare laid out this scheme chiefly to encourage and strengthen organic farming.
• It advocates the use of bio-pesticides, vermicompost, and so on, instead of chemical fertilizers.
• This ensures a healthy and organic yield. It was a very comprehensively laid out scheme.

*For detailed notes of this topic, check this link Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana (PKVY)

Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana – RAFTAAR (RKVY-RAFTAAR)

• RKVY was formed in the year 2007, and later it was reformed as Remunerative Approaches for Agriculture and Allied Sectors Rejuvenation (RAFTAAR ).
• This RAFTAAR scheme was to be implemented for three years, starting from 2017-2018 to 2019-2020 with a budget distribution of 15,722 crores.
• The RKVY scheme was launched as an umbrella scheme to ensure the holistic development of agriculture and allied sectors by allowing states to select their own agriculture and allied sector development activities in accordance with the district/state agriculture plan.
• This scheme was also made to provide flexibility as well as autonomy to the various states in performing programs with the purpose of motivating/encouraging investment in Agriculture and its associated areas.
• The RKVY scheme encourages states to increase public investment in agriculture and related industries.

*For detailed notes of this topic, check this link Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana – Raftaar (Rkvy-Raftaar)

Measures to Boost Agricultural Productivity and Market Efficiency

• Irrigation Facilities: Canals and tube wells should be built to improve crop security. To prevent flood devastation, extensive flood control measures should be implemented.
• Institutional Credit: To keep farmers out of the clutches of moneylenders, adequate credit facilities should be made available in rural areas at reasonable low interest rates.
  • Land mortgage banks and co-operative credit societies should be strengthened in order to provide loans to cultivators.
• Proper Marketing Facilities: Marketing infrastructure should be expanded and strengthened to assist farmers in selling their products at higher prices.
• Supply of Quality Inputs: Farmers in the country should be supplied with quality inputs at appropriate times and at controlled prices. To protect farmers from exploitation, effective steps must be taken to prevent the sale of adulterated fertilisers, as outlined in the Pesticide Bill of 2020.
• Consolidation of Holdings: Consolidation of holdings is not satisfactory in several states. As a result, efforts should be made to complete the consolidation work within the time frame specified. Large areas of waste land can be reclaimed and cultivated.
• Development of Cottage and Small Scale Industries: More emphasis should be placed in rural areas on the development of cottage and small scale industries. This will increase peasant income and keep them busy during the off season.
• Land Reforms: It is also suggested that efforts be made to close loopholes in existing land legislation so that surplus land can be distributed to small and marginal farmers.

Conclusion

Agricultural efficiency has long been a source of concern in the country. Agriculture employs the most people in the country (approximately 48% of the population). Efforts must be made to increase agricultural productivity and market efficiency in order to deal with the agricultural crisis and ensure the nation's food security.

FAQs

MCQs

1. What is the main objective of the PM Kisan Scheme?

A) To provide crop insurance
B) To provide income support to small farmers
C) To promote organic farming
D) To distribute free seeds to farmers

2. Which of the following is the primary focus of the National Food Security Mission (NFSM)?

A) Promoting organic farming
B) Increasing food grain production
C) Providing financial loans to farmers
D) Encouraging urban agriculture

3. Which scheme is aimed at providing insurance coverage for farmers' crops in case of natural disasters?

A) PMFBY
B) Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana
C) Soil Health Management Scheme
D) Atmanirbhar Krishi Scheme

4. Which of the following initiatives focuses on improving soil health and fertility?

A) PMFBY
B) Soil Health Management (SHM)
C) Pradhan Mantri Kisan Scheme
D) National Food Security Mission

5. Which of the following schemes provides direct income support to farmers?

A) National Food Security Mission
B) PM Kisan Scheme
C) Soil Health Management Scheme
D) PM Fasal Bima Yojana

GS Mains Questions and Model Answers

Q1: Discuss the significance of the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana in safeguarding farmers' livelihoods in India.

Answer: The Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY) plays a crucial role in safeguarding farmers' livelihoods by providing financial support in case of crop losses due to natural calamities, pests, or diseases. This insurance scheme aims to mitigate the financial risks associated with agriculture, which is highly vulnerable to climate change. The scheme encourages farmers to adopt modern farming practices by ensuring them a safety net against crop failure. Additionally, it promotes agricultural sustainability and strengthens the economic resilience of farmers, especially small and marginal ones, by offering affordable premium rates and fast claims processing.

Q2: Evaluate the impact of the Soil Health Management (SHM) scheme on India's agricultural productivity.

Answer: The Soil Health Management (SHM) scheme aims to improve soil quality and fertility, which directly impacts agricultural productivity in India. Through balanced use of fertilizers, soil testing, and promotion of organic farming, the scheme ensures that farmers can adopt sustainable farming practices. This results in improved soil health, higher crop yields, and better income for farmers. Additionally, the SHM scheme helps in reducing the environmental impact of chemical fertilizers, leading to more sustainable agricultural practices. In the long term, it contributes to food security and enhanced agricultural resilience against climate change.

Q3: What are the key features of the PM Kisan Scheme, and how does it contribute to enhancing farmers' income?

Answer: The PM Kisan Scheme provides direct income support of ₹6,000 annually to small and marginal farmers with landholding up to 2 hectares. The scheme aims to supplement farmers' income and reduce their financial distress, especially during difficult times such as crop failure or market price fluctuations. By providing this assistance, the government empowers farmers with the financial stability needed to invest in agricultural inputs like seeds, fertilizers, and equipment. This support also helps alleviate rural poverty, stimulate local economies, and contribute to sustainable agriculture practices by ensuring farmers' participation in government schemes and programs.

Previous Year Questions on Agricultural Initiatives

1. UPSC CSE Mains 2021 (GS Paper 3):

Question: "Discuss the role of the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana in enhancing the resilience of the agricultural sector to climate change."

Answer: The Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana plays a key role in enhancing the resilience of the agricultural sector by providing insurance coverage against crop loss due to natural disasters. The scheme reduces the financial burden on farmers during adverse conditions, ensuring their livelihood is protected. By mitigating risks associated with climate change, it encourages farmers to adopt innovative farming practices and improve productivity, thus contributing to food security and sustainable agriculture.

2. UPSC CSE Mains 2020 (GS Paper 2):

Question: "What are the major government initiatives aimed at improving the agricultural sector and addressing food security in India?"

Answer: Major government initiatives like the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana, PM Kisan Scheme, and National Food Security Mission aim to improve agricultural productivity and address food security. These programs focus on increasing crop insurance coverage, providing direct income support to farmers, and enhancing food grain production to ensure sufficient supply and affordability of food. Through these initiatives, the government strives to reduce rural poverty, enhance farmers' income, and achieve sustainable agricultural growth.