Introduction

The Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (RKVY), which translates to National Agriculture Development Scheme, was a central government initiative launched in 2007 to support India's agricultural sector. Here's a breakdown of the scheme's key features:

Objectives:

Boost investment: Encourage states to invest more in agriculture and allied sectors.
State autonomy: Provide flexibility for states to design and implement their own agricultural development programs based on local needs and conditions.
Holistic development: Promote the overall growth of agriculture and allied sectors, including fisheries, animal husbandry, horticulture, etc.
Increased growth: Achieve a target annual growth rate in the agricultural sector (originally 4%).

Outcomes:

RKVY is credited with contributing to an increase in agricultural investment during the 11th Plan period (2007-2012).
It is believed to have played a role in promoting agri-entrepreneurship and making farming a more attractive profession.

Current Status:

The RKVY scheme was renamed Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana- Remunerative Approaches for Agriculture and Allied sector Rejuvenation (RKVY-RAFTAAR) in 2017 and continued until

Background:

Launched in 2007 by the Department of Agriculture & Co-operation (DAC) under the Ministry of Agriculture, Government of India.
Aimed to address slow growth in the agriculture and allied sectors.

Objectives:

Incentivize investment: Encourage states to increase public spending on agriculture and allied activities.
State-led planning: Empower states to design and execute agricultural development schemes based on:
Agro-climatic conditions
Technological availability
Natural resources
Holistic development: Promote overall growth across agriculture and allied sectors like:
Fisheries
Animal husbandry
Horticulture
Growth target: Achieve a specific annual growth rate in agriculture (originally aimed for 4%).

Implementation:

Centrally sponsored scheme: Central government provided financial assistance to states.

Flexibility: States had autonomy in deciding how to utilize the funds within the broad RKVY framework.
Focus areas: Examples of areas states could target include:
Strengthening seed systems
Promoting soil health management
Integrated pest management
Market infrastructure development
Setting up post-harvest processing units
Risk mitigation measures like crop insurance

Outcomes:

Increased public investment in agriculture during the 11th Plan period (2007-2012).
Improved agricultural growth rate compared to the previous plan period.
Believed to have contributed to:
Promotion of agri-preneurship
Making farming a more viable economic activity

Conclusion

"Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana stands as a pivotal initiative in transforming India's agricultural landscape. By prioritizing infrastructural development, enhancing market access, and promoting sustainable practices, RKVY has empowered farmers across the nation. As we look ahead, continued government support and collaborative efforts will be crucial in realizing its full potential, ensuring prosperous futures for farmers and sustainable growth for Indian agriculture."