Agriculture is the backbone of India. It not only provides food for the people but also helps in building the economy. About 60% of India’s population depends on farming for their livelihood. Even though agriculture contributes a smaller percentage to the country’s total GDP, the entire population relies on this sector for daily survival. Without a healthy and thriving agricultural sector, other industries would struggle.
Indian farmers grow a wide variety of crops, from basic food grains like rice and wheat to cash crops like sugarcane, cotton, and spices. Despite the importance of farming, many farmers face serious challenges. These include small land holdings, unstable crop prices, unpredictable weather, high input costs, and a lack of access to modern technology. To help farmers overcome these issues, both the central and state governments of India have launched several helpful schemes over the years.
These government schemes aim to improve productivity, support income, modernise traditional farming methods, and build a more self-reliant agricultural system. Some schemes are introduced by the central government and apply all over India, while others are specific to states and tailored to local needs. Let’s explore these schemes in a simple and detailed way.
Central Government Schemes for Farmers
The Indian central government has launched several schemes to support farmers across the country. Here are some of the major ones:
1. APEDA’s Export Promotion Scheme
This scheme was started by the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA). It helps increase the export of Indian agricultural and processed food products by offering financial and logistical support.
Who can benefit? Registered exporters of agricultural and food products.
What does it offer? Help with branding, packaging, transportation, and promotion of products in international markets.
2. Urea Subsidy Scheme
Fertilisers are necessary for good crop yields. Urea is one such important fertiliser. Under this scheme, the government pays part of the cost, so farmers can buy urea at lower prices.
Who can apply? All farmers across India, regardless of the size of their land.
Why is it helpful? It makes farming more affordable and encourages sustainable farming practices by reducing cost burdens.
3. Soil Health Card Scheme
The health of the soil is crucial for good farming. Under this scheme, farmers receive a “soil health card” that tells them about the nutrients in their soil and suggests the best ways to improve its quality.
What do farmers get? Detailed soil analysis and crop-specific advice on fertilisers and soil treatment.
How does it help? It helps increase productivity and promotes environment-friendly farming.
4. PM Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-Kisan)
This scheme gives financial help to small and marginal farmers. Eligible farmers receive Rs 6,000 annually, paid in three equal instalments of Rs 2,000 each.
Why is this important? It helps farmers manage their everyday expenses and invest in seeds, fertilisers, and other farming needs.
5. Kisan Credit Card Scheme
Launched in 1998, this scheme gives farmers access to short-term credit at low interest rates. It helps them meet immediate farming expenses like buying seeds, fertilisers, and paying for labour.
Who can apply? Any farmer engaged in crop cultivation or allied activities like fisheries or animal husbandry.
More Central Schemes Worth Knowing:
- e-NAM (National Agricultural Market): A digital platform that helps farmers sell their produce at fair prices.
- Subsidies on Tractors & Machinery: Reduces the cost burden for purchasing essential agricultural equipment.
- Agriculture Infrastructure Fund: Helps farmers build storage units and warehouses to reduce post-harvest losses.
- Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY): A crop insurance scheme that protects farmers against crop failure due to natural disasters.
State Government Schemes for Farmers
Many Indian states have their own schemes based on the specific needs of their farmers. Here are some popular ones:
1. Atma Nirbhar Bagwani Yojana
This scheme promotes horticulture, which includes fruits, vegetables, spices, and flowers. It provides financial help for planting, fertilisers, and building infrastructure like greenhouses.
Who can apply? Farmers already in horticulture or those interested in starting.
2. YSR Rythu Bharosa (Andhra Pradesh)
Under this scheme, farmers receive Rs 13,500 annually. It is direct financial support to help them manage farming expenses.
Who can apply? All eligible farmers in Andhra Pradesh.
3. Poultry Farm Loan Subsidy
States like Kerala and Maharashtra offer financial support to people involved in poultry farming to promote livestock growth and rural income.
4. Tractor Subsidy Schemes
States such as Punjab and Karnataka offer subsidies to help small farmers buy tractors. This enables mechanised farming and saves time and effort.
5. Mukhyamantri Krishi Ashirwad Yojana (Jharkhand)
Offers financial support to farmers based on the size of land they own. It ensures extra income for small and marginal farmers.
6. Bhavantar Bhugtan Yojana (Madhya Pradesh)
This scheme provides compensation to farmers when the market price of their crop is lower than the government-declared Minimum Support Price (MSP).
7. KALIA Scheme (Odisha)
Krushak Assistance for Livelihood and Income Augmentation (KALIA) provides financial help, crop loans, and insurance to small and marginal farmers.
Other Notable Central Agriculture Schemes:
- PM Krishi Sinchai Yojana (PMKSY): Focuses on improving irrigation facilities.
- Gramin Bhandaran Yojana: Provides funds for building warehouses and cold storage units.
- Operation Greens: Stabilises the supply and pricing of Tomato, Onion, and Potato (TOP) crops.
- National Food Security Mission (NFSM): Encourages the production of rice, wheat, pulses, and coarse grains.
- Per Drop More Crop: Promotes efficient water use in farming, especially through drip and sprinkler irrigation.
More State Schemes to Know:
- Rajiv Gandhi Kisan Nyay Yojana (Chhattisgarh): Offers direct cash transfers based on crop type.
- Yogi Kisan Suryoday Yojana (Uttar Pradesh): Provides solar pumps to promote clean energy for irrigation.
- Karnataka Raitha Siri: Offers financial support to millet farmers.
- Hari Kranti Scheme (Haryana): Encourages modern farming tools and practices.
- Nadapu Scheme (Kerala): Promotes organic farming with subsidies.
Conclusion
Farming is more than just a livelihood; it’s the heart of our nation. Government schemes play a huge role in helping farmers adapt to modern technology, manage costs, and face climate-related challenges. These central and state-level schemes are essential in supporting farmers, increasing productivity, and building a stronger rural economy.
Staying updated about these schemes can help farmers make informed choices, plan better, and benefit from the available support. For more updates on agriculture, government schemes, and rural development, keep following trusted platforms and community news sources.
