Question

Which scheme promotes crop diversification through cluster-based planning?

• A. PM-AASHA (Pradhan Mantri Annadata Aay Sanrakshan Abhiyan)
• B. RKVY (Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana)
• C. SMAM (Sub-Mission on Agricultural Mechanization)
• D. AIF (Agriculture Infrastructure Fund)

Answer 1

Answer:

B. RKVY (Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana)

Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (RKVY)

• Launch Year: 2007 (by the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers' Welfare).
• Objective: Designed to incentivize states to increase public investment in agriculture and allied sectors to achieve target growth rates.
• Crop Diversification Programme (CDP): Implemented as a sub-scheme under RKVY to promote crop diversification through cluster-based planning, encouraging farmers to shift away from water-guzzling crops (like paddy) towards pulses, oilseeds, and coarse cereals.

Key Features & Evolution

• RAFTAAR Restructuring: Rebranded in 2017-18 as RKVY-RAFTAAR (Remunerative Approaches for Agriculture and Allied sector Rejuvenation) to focus on pre/post-harvest infrastructure and agri-entrepreneurship.
• Decentralized Planning: Gives states complete autonomy and flexibility to execute agricultural projects tailored to local needs via State Agriculture Plans (SAP) and District Agriculture Plans (DAP).
• Funding Pattern: Operates as a Centrally Sponsored Scheme with a 60:40 cost-sharing ratio between the Centre and States (90:10 for North-Eastern and Himalayan States).