Agriculture

• Agriculture is the principal source of livelihood for more than 55% of the population of this country.
• Efforts have succeeded in achieving record production of 257.13 million tonnes of foodgrains during 2012-13. In the year 2012-13, despite erratic and deficient monsoon, the production of foodgrains, as per the 4th Advance Estimates, is 255.36 million tonnes.

 MAIOR PROGRAMMES

1. Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (RKVY): This scheme was launched in 2007-08 with an outlay of 25,000 crore for the XI Plan to incentivize states to enhance investment in Agriculture and Allied sectors to achieve 4% growth rate during the Plan period and to empower states to select, plan, approve and execute growth generating interventions and build agri-infrastructure re as per their priorities and agro-climatic requirements. 11 special programmes with focused objectives are implemented as sub-schemes of RKVY in the year 2013-14.
2. Bring Green Revolution to Eastern India (BGREI): Several activities were undertaken to Bring Green Revolution to Eastern India. Through these activities, production of rice increased substantially during 2012-13 over the normal in all the States. The maximum gain was recorded in Bihar followed by Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Uttar Pradesh and Assam.
3. National Mission for Saffron: This sub-scheme under RKVY was launched in 2010-11 with an objective to bring economic revival of Saffron farming in J&K.
4. Nutri-Cereals: It was started to promote production of millets like Iowar, Bajra, Ragi etc., by upgrading their processing technologies and create awareness regarding their health benefits.
5. Accelerated Fodder Development Programme: Initiated during 2011-12 to accelerate the production of fodder through intensive promotion of technologies and to ensure its availability throughout the year. It is being taken up in 25,000 villages.
6. Vegetable Initiatives for Urban clusters: To set in motion virtuous cycle of higher production and income for the farmers as well as assured and fresh vegetable supply in urban areas.
7. Promotion of Oil Palm: To bring 60,000 hectares under oil palm plantation, by integrating the farmers with the markets.
8. National Mission for Protein Supplements: This sub-scheme under RKVY was launched in 2011-12 to take up activities to promote animal based protein production through livestock development, dairy farming, piggery, goat rearing and fisheries in selected blocks.
9. Rainfed Area Development Programme: To improve the quality of life of farmers especially small and marginal farmers.
10. Vidarbha Intensified Irrigation Development Programme: To bring in more farming areas under protective irrigation in Vidarbha region.
11. Public Private Partnership (PPP) for Integrated Agriculture Development : This has been launched as a pilot scheme under RKVY during 2012-13 with the objective of augmenting governmental effort in leveraging the capability of private sector in agriculture development.
12. Nutri Farms: This programme has been launched as a pilot programme under RKVY for introducing new crop varieties that are rich in micronutrients such as iron-rich bajra, protein rich maize and zinc-rich wheat in districts most affected by malnutrition.
13. Crop Diversification in Original Green Revolution States: This is a new scheme announced in the year 2013-14 for crop diversification in original green revolution states in order to promote technological innovation and to encourage farmers to choose crop alternatives.
14. National Horticulture Mission (NHM): It is a Centrally Sponsored Scheme launched in 2005-06 for promotion of holistic growth of the horticulture sector comprising of fruits, vegetables, root & tuber crops, mushroom, spices, flowers, aromatic plants, cashew and cocoa. While Government of India contributes 85%, 15% share is contributed by State Governments.

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