“Raftaar” in Hindustani means speed. Even as the farmers are groaning under debt, the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs under Prime Minister Narendra Modi gave the Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (RKVY), launched in 2007, a new surname - Remunerative Approaches for Agriculture and Allied sector Rejuvenation, (RAFTAAR). The cabinet also gave the scheme another three years.
The cabinet also committed a sum of Rs 15722 crores towards the (RKVY-RAFTAAR). The aim, according to the government, is to make farming a remunerative economic activity by strengthening the farmer's effort, risk mitigation and promoting agri-business entrepreneurship. It could possibly be interpreted as a step to address the agricultural distress sweeping the country.
“The scheme will incentivise states in enhancing allocation to agriculture and allied sectors. This will also strengthen farmer’s efforts through creation of agricultural infrastructure that help in supply of quality inputs, market facilities etc. This will further promote agri-entrepreneurship and support business models that maximize returns to farmers,” said a government press release.
While the Centre will provide a 60 per cent grant under the regular RKVY-RAFTAAR to states, which will have to chip in the remaining 40 per cent, under different streams. The North Eastern and Himalayan states will get a Central grant of 90 per cent.
These will cover infrastructure and assets, production growth and value addition, as well as the need for flexi funds, depending on the local needs. Special sub schemes falling under the category of national priorities, innovation and agri-entrepreneur development by creating end-to-end solution, skill development and financial support for setting up agri enterprise, will also be covered.
“This will promote agri-entrepreneurship and support business models to maximise returns to farmers”, said the government note on it.
National priorities include “Bringing Green Revolution to Eastern India” (BGREI), Crop Diversification Program (CDP), Reclamation of Problem Soil (RPS), Foot & Mouth Disease - Control Program (FMD-CP), Saffron Mission and Accelerated Fodder Development Programme being implemented through the window of RKVY.
