Miscellaneous Schemes under Ministry of Agriculture

National Agriculture Market (e-NAM)

A revolutionary step towards ‘One Nation, One Market’ for agriculture.

Overview

Aspect	Details
Type	Central Sector Scheme
Launch Year	2016
Funding Source	Agri-Tech Infrastructure Fund (AITF)
Nodal Agency	Small Farmers Agribusiness Consortium (SFAC)
Ministry	Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare

Objectives

• To integrate APMC mandis into a single national digital market.
• Empower farmers with transparent price discovery and better market access.
• Reduce role of middlemen and promote real-time, competitive bidding.

Key Features

Feature	Description
e-Platform	Unified portal connecting physical APMC mandis via digital interface
Platform of Platforms	Integration of service platforms (warehousing, logistics, fintech, etc.)
e-NWR Integration	Enables trade through electronic Negotiable Warehouse Receipts
Real-Time Data	Daily arrival, pricing, and bidding information
Inter-State Trade	Farmers can now sell produce beyond state borders

💡 Why It Matters

• Facilitates efficient value realization for farmers.
• Promotes digital literacy and technology adoption in agriculture.
• A key enabler under Digital India and increasing Farmers’ Income vision.

Clean Plant Programme (CPP)

A step towards disease-free horticulture and boosting exports.

Overview

Aspect	Details
Launch Year	2024
Purpose	Ensure access to virus-free, high-quality planting material
Lead Agency	National Horticulture Board (NHB)
Partners	ICAR, ADB (funding partner)
Alignment	Mission LiFE, One Health Initiative

Key Components

Component	Details
Clean Plant Centres (CPCs)	9 advanced labs focused on fruits like grapes, apples, mangoes
Legal Framework	Operates under the Seeds Act, 1966 – certification, traceability
Nursery Support	Boosts large-scale nurseries for propagation of clean planting material

Implementation Strategy

• Use high-end biotechnology labs for tissue culture and virus indexing.
• Certification system ensures quality and traceability of planting material.
• Collaboration with ICAR ensures scientific rigor.

Benefits

• Prevents spread of viral diseases (e.g., citrus greening, papaya ringspot virus).
• Enhances productivity and export competitiveness.
• Reduces input costs through disease-free propagation.
• Uplifts nursery standards across India.

Integrated Scheme for Agricultural Marketing (ISAM)

With AGMARKNET portal as its digital backbone

Overview

Aspect	Details
Type	Central Sector Scheme
Launch Year	2014
Portal	AGMARKNET (G2C e-Governance portal)
Implementing Agencies	1. Directorate of Marketing & Inspection (DMI) 2. Small Farmers’ Agribusiness Consortium (SFAC)

Objectives

• Develop modern agricultural marketing infrastructure.
• Facilitate real-time market data on arrivals, prices, and trends.
• Assist small farmers through agribusiness and venture support.

Five Components of ISAM

A. Implemented by DMI:

1. Agricultural Marketing Infrastructure (AMI)
   • Supports infrastructure like storage, cold chains, and processing units.
2. Marketing Research & Information Network (MRIN)
   • Feeds daily arrival and price data from over 3200+ markets to AGMARKNET.
3. Strengthening Agmark Grading Facilities (SAGF)
   • Enhances quality certification and grading standards (AGMARK certification).

B. Implemented by SFAC:

4. Agri-Business Development (ABD)
   • Through Venture Capital Assistance (VCA) and Project Development Facility (PDF).
5. NIAM Support
   • Choudhary Charan Singh National Institute of Agricultural Marketing (NIAM) provides capacity building and training.

AGMARKNET Portal

• Single-window G2C platform for:
  • Market prices
  • Commodity arrivals
  • Mandi-wise trends
• Crucial for:
  • Price transparency
  • Market planning
  • Connecting farmers, traders, and policymakers

Krishi Sakhi Convergence Programme (KSCP)

A step toward “Atmanirbhar Mahila Kisan” under the umbrella of Lakhpati Didi Initiative

Overview

Aspect	Details
Launch Year	2024
Purpose	Empower rural women SHG members as Para-extension Workers
Linked Initiative	Sub-component of the Lakhpati Didi Yojana
Ministry	Ministry of Rural Development + MoA&FW
Role of Krishi Sakhis	Act as grassroots agri-resource persons for their communities

Key Objectives

• Impart agricultural skills and training to rural SHG women.
• Enable them to become certified para-extension workers.
• Facilitate self-employment and enhance last-mile delivery of agri-schemes.

Training Curriculum

Domain	Topics Covered
Agroecology	From land prep to harvest, Farmer Field Schools
Soil Health	Soil & moisture conservation, organic inputs
Seeds & Inputs	Seed bank creation, bio-input shops
Integrated Farming Systems	Livestock management, crop integration
Communication Skills	Basic interpersonal skills to educate farmers

Employment & Certification

• After training, Krishi Sakhis take a test to become certified.
• They are then deployed to assist in implementation of government schemes (PM-KISAN, SHC, RKVY, etc.).
• This model encourages community-led extension services and peer learning.

Lakhpati Didi Initiative

Mainstreaming women SHG members as successful rural entrepreneurs

Overview

Aspect	Details
Type	Rural Development initiative (non-scheme based)
Launch Year	2023
Target	3 crore SHG women with ₹1 lakh/year income
Implemented By	Ministry of Rural Development
Key Linked Schemes	DAY-NRLM, KSCP, Drone Didi, PMFME, SVEP etc.

Eligibility of “Lakhpati Didi”

Criteria	Details
SHG Membership	Active member of a Self-Help Group
Income Threshold	At least ₹1 lakh annually and ₹10,000/month(avg.)
Sustainability Benchmark	Income consistent over 4 agri seasons or cycles

Convergence Strategy

• Identifies livelihood sectors: poultry, goat-rearing, food processing, handicrafts, agri-allied services.
• Promotes synergy between schemes: subsidy + skilling + marketing + credit.
• SHGs become access points for skilling, digital tools (like drone ops), farm equipment, and finance.

🧠 Why It Matters

• Combines social mobilization with economic empowerment.
• Women shift from beneficiaries to entrepreneurs.
• Helps meet SDG goals: Gender Equality, No Poverty, and Decent Work.

Simply we can say:

• Krishi Sakhi is a role — a trained SHG woman who advises other farmers and earns income from her services.
• Lakhpati Didi is a goal/achievement — any SHG woman who earns ₹1 lakh+ per year from diversified livelihoods.
• So, a Krishi Sakhi can become a Lakhpati Didi, if her income crosses ₹1 lakh threshold.

Namo Drone Didi Scheme

Women-led AgriTech: Drones for Development

Overview

Aspect	Details
Type	Central Sector Scheme
Tenure	2024–25 to 2025–26
Target	provide drones to 15000 selected Women SHGs for providing rental services to farmers for agriculture purpose
Linked Schemes	DAY-NRLM, AIF (Agri Infra Fund)

Key Features

Feature	Details
Drone Subsidy	80% of cost subsidized (up to ₹8 lakh)
Loan for Remaining Cost	Covered under AIF at 3% interest
Drone Pilot Training	Mandatory training included
Use Cases	Spraying of liquid fertilizers and pesticides
Business Model	SHGs provide rental drone services to local farmers
Revenue Potential	SHGs can earn ₹1 lakh+/year through drone services

Significance

• Integrates rural women into high-tech agriculture.
• Boosts precision farming and improves input efficiency.
• Encourages agri-entrepreneurship and breaks gender-tech stereotypes.

National Mission on Agricultural Extension and Technology (NMAET)

A holistic approach to agricultural outreach, technology dissemination, and mechanization

Overview

Aspect	Details
Type	Centrally Sponsored Scheme
Launched Under	12th Five Year Plan (2014 onwards)
Umbrella Agency	Agriculture Technology Management Agency (ATMA)
Objective	Create a farmer-driven, accountable extension system using ICT, FPOs, and physical outreach

Core Mission

To make agricultural extension scientifically sound, accessible, and responsive to the real needs of Indian farmers by integrating mechanization, quality seeds, and protection protocols.

Components (Sub-Missions under NMAET)

Sub-Mission	Focus Area	Key Activities
SMAE (Extension)	Farmer Awareness	Kisan Call Centres, Farmer Friend model, ATMA strengthening
SMAM (Mechanization)	Access to machines	Financial aid for Custom Hiring Centres, hi-tech equipment hubs
SMSP (Seeds)	Quality Seed Supply	Seed Village Programme, Seed Processing-cum-Storage units
SMPP (Plant Protection)	Biosecurity	Surveillance, regulation, quarantine against alien pests & diseases

SMAE: Sub-Mission on Agricultural Extension
SMAM: Sub-Mission on Agricultural Mechanisation
SMSP: Sub-Mission on Seed and Planting Material
SMPP: Sub-Mission on Plant Protection and Plant Quarantine.

Conceptual Importance for UPSC

• Promotes Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs) & Interest Groups
• Aligns with increasing farmer income goals
• Converges with Digital India via e-extension tools

Pradhan Mantri Annadata Aay Sanrakshan Abhiyan (PM-AASHA)

An umbrella initiative to ensure MSP assurance beyond cereals

Overview

Aspect	Details
Type	Centrally Sponsored Scheme
Launched	2018
Validity	Extended till 2025–26
Primary Aim	Price assurance for oilseeds, pulses, and copra

Components of PM-AASHA

Component	Crops Covered	Implementation	Key Feature
Price Support Scheme (PSS)	Pulses, Oilseeds, Copra	NAFED, FCI	Direct procurement at MSP for Fair Average Quality
Price Deficiency Payment Scheme (PDPS)	All MSP-notified oilseeds	DBT to farmers	Farmers get difference between MSP and actual sale price
Market Intervention Scheme (MIS)	Perishables like onion, tomato	Centre-State shared	Triggered when prices crash (≥10%)

📢 Important Update (2024–25)

• 100% Production Procurement for Tur, Urad, and Masur in eligible states under PSS — unprecedented price support move.

🧠 Conceptual Linkage for UPSC

• Addresses non-cereal farmer distress, unlike traditional MSP-based procurement.
• Promotes crop diversification and oilseed sufficiency.
• Balances procurement logistics (PSS) with fiscal prudence (PDPS).

Market Intervention Scheme (MIS)

A price stabilization safety net for perishables

Overview

Aspect	Details
Purpose	Price support for perishable horticultural/agri products
Trigger Condition	Implemented when market price drops ≥10% below previous season
Who Can Request?	Respective State/UT Governments
Centre-State Funding	Shared on a 50:50 basis (or as per norms)

🌽 Crops Commonly Covered

• Tomato, Onion, Potato (TOP)
• Mangoes, Citrus fruits, Apples (region-specific)
• Green chillies, Cauliflower, etc.

🧠 Importance

• Complements MSP, which excludes perishables
• Ensures farmer protection in volatile horticulture markets
• Boosts price stabilization without procurement mandate

National Innovations on Climate Resilient Agriculture (NICRA)

“Science-backed shield for Indian agriculture against climate risks”

Overview

Aspect	Details
Launched By	Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR)
Launch Year	2011
Purpose	Strengthen the resilience of Indian agriculture to climate variability and change

Aim

To develop and demonstrate climate-resilient technologies, create awareness, and build capacity at multiple levels — farmer, institutional, and research.

Four Core Components

Component	Function
Strategic Research	Long-term studies on climate impacts and resilience modeling
Technology Demonstration	In vulnerable districts to test resilient practices like drought-tolerant seeds
Capacity Building	Trainings for farmers, extension officers, and researchers
Sponsored/Competitive Grants	For institutions and startups to develop climate-resilient innovations

🧠 UPSC Relevance

• Part of climate-smart agriculture strategy
• Integrates science with grassroots level action
• Aligns with SDG-13 (Climate Action) and SDG-2 (Zero Hunger)

Attracting and Retaining Youth in Agriculture (ARYA)

“Youth + Innovation = Future of Indian agriculture”

Overview

Aspect	Details
Implementing Agency	Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs)
Launched in	2015-16
Launched By	ICAR
Target	Rural youth (200–300 youth per district) in one district per state

Objective

To motivate rural youth to adopt agriculture, allied sectors, and agri-service enterprises as a viable livelihood option.

Key Features

• Skill development in Agro-enterprises
• Support for micro-enterprise creation
• Convergence with Agricultural Universities & ICAR institutes
• Promotes self-employment and entrepreneurship

🧠 UPSC Linkage

• Addresses rural distress and migration
• Boosts agripreneurship
• Links with Start-Up India, Skill India, Self-Reliant India (Atmanirbhar Bharat)

Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK) Knowledge Network

“The grassroots front of India’s agricultural research ecosystem”

Overview

Aspect	Details
Launch Year	2016
Part of	National Agricultural Research System (NARS)
Type	100% Centrally Sponsored Scheme by GoI
Implementing Partners	Agricultural Universities, ICAR institutes, State Departments, NGOs

Role of KVKs

Activity	Description
On-Farm Trials (OFT)	Validating research-based solutions in real farming conditions
Frontline Demonstrations	Showcasing new practices in actual farmer fields
Capacity Building	Training for farmers and extension personnel
ICT-Based Farm Advisory	Use of digital tech for instant problem-solving and weather advisory
Knowledge Resource Centres	Act as tech hubs in rural India

🧠 Relevance for UPSC

• Core element of technology dissemination
• Strengthens last-mile delivery of agri-innovation
• Instrumental in climate-resilient and organic farming training

National Agricultural Higher Education Project (NAHEP)

“Upgrading India’s agri-education system to global standards”

Overview

Aspect	Details
Launch Year	2017-18
Implemented By	Education Division, ICAR
Funding Model	50:50 cost-sharing between World Bank & Government of India

Objective

To modernize and strengthen the institutional capacity of State Agricultural Universities (SAUs) and Deemed Agricultural Universities for better learning, governance, and research.

Key Components

Component	Function
Support to Agri Universities	Modern infrastructure, faculty exchange, e-learning
Leadership Investments in ICAR	Develop ICAR as a global hub of agricultural innovation & learning
Project Management & Learning	Monitoring and knowledge dissemination

🧠 Significance

• Aligns with NEP 2020 goals in higher education
• Equips future agri-professionals with global competencies
• Strengthens education-research-extension linkage

Farmer FIRST (FARM, Innovations, Resources, Science and Technology)

Feature	Details
Launched by	Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), 2016-17
Aim	To strengthen Farmer–Scientist interface for need-based research and technology dissemination
Focus Areas	Participatory research, stakeholder involvement, vulnerability & livelihood interventions

🧠 Note: Promotes farmer-led innovations and feedback-oriented research for real-world agricultural problems.

Agri Udan

Feature	Details
Launched by	ICAR-NAARM + IIM Ahmedabad (incubators), 2015
Objective	To scale-up Agri Start-ups in food and agriculture sectors
Approach	Rigorous mentoring, investor pitching, and industry linkages

🧠 Note: Encourages agripreneurship by supporting innovations from rural youth and startup founders.

Agri Udaan 6.0 launched in July 2023

Mera Gaon Mera Gaurav (MGMG)

Feature	Details
Launched by	ICAR in 2015
Objective	Speed up Lab-to-Land transfer of technologies
Implementation	ICAR scientists regularly visit and mentor 15 adopted villages

🧠 Note: Aims to make scientists accessible and accountable to the farming community.

Agri-Market Infrastructure Fund (AMIF)

Feature	Details
Launched by	NABARD, 2019
Fund Corpus	₹2000 crore
Target	Develop infrastructure in 22,000 Gramin Agricultural Markets (GrAMs) and 585 APMCs
Support From	NABARD, MGNREGS, and other GoI schemes
Features	Integration with e-NAM, exemption from APMC Acts, hub-and-spoke models

🧠 Note: Strengthens the post-harvest and marketing infrastructure, critical for increasing farmers’ income.

e-Krishi Samvad

Feature	Details
Platform Type	Online advisory interface
Developed by	ICAR, 2017
Function	Farmers can upload pictures and queries to get real-time advice from agri-scientists

🧠 Note: Utilizes ICT for last-mile extension, making tech accessible even in remote areas.

e-Rashtriya Kishan Agri Mandi (e-RAKAM)

Feature	Details
Launch Year	2017
Joint Initiative	MSTC Ltd. + Central Railside Warehousing Co.
Purpose	Digital auction platform for farm produce
Key Benefit	Farmers get direct payments to bank accounts, bypassing middlemen

🧠 Note: Promotes price discovery and transparency in agri marketing through an online model.

Hortinet – Farmer Connect App

Feature	Details
Developed by	APEDA, 2019
Purpose	Farm registration, testing & certification of export-oriented crops
Crops Covered	Grape, Pomegranate, Vegetables for EU export compliance

🧠 Note: A tool for agri-export enhancement by ensuring traceability and quality control.

Meghdoot App

Feature	Details
Developed by	Ministry of Agriculture + Ministry of Earth Sciences + IMD + ICAR, 2019
Function	Location-specific agromet advisories on crop and livestock in local languages
Update Frequency	Twice a week (not real-time)

🧠 Note: Enhances climate-smart farming by providing weather-informed decisions.

Pandit Deen Dayal Upadhyay Unnat Krishi Shiksha Yojana (PDDUUKSY)

Feature	Details
Launch Year	2016
Objective	Develop human resource in organic, natural, and cow-based farming
Activities	Training of farmers in eco-friendly farming and soil health conservation

🧠 Note: Aligns with Zero Budget Natural Farming (ZBNF) and sustainable development goals.

Centralized Farm Machinery Performance Testing Portal

Feature	Details
Launch Year	2020
Purpose	Transparency and efficiency in farm machinery testing
Users	Machinery manufacturers and testing institutions
Functions	Online application, monitoring, and communication platform

🧠 Note: Aims to ensure quality control and standardization in the mechanization sector.

Horticulture Cluster Development Programme

Feature	Details
Launch Year	2021
Type	Central Sector Scheme
Aim	To improve exports by 20% and create cluster-specific branding
Implementing Body	National Horticulture Board (NHB)

🧠 Note: Encourages area-based approach and value chain development for export-oriented horticulture.

National Bamboo Mission (NBM)

• Restructured in 2018, the mission aims for holistic growth of the bamboo sector.
• Focus: from cultivation to marketing — a complete value chain.

Key Features:

• Develop bamboo cultivation in regionally suitable states — especially the Northeast, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Maharashtra, Odisha, Karnataka, Uttarakhand, Bihar, and Andhra Pradesh.
• Promote plantations in farmers’ fields, homesteads, community lands, and even along canals or wastelands.
• Primary processing centres set up near plantations to cut transport costs.
• Strengthen marketing and branding of bamboo handicrafts.
• Provide skill training to traditional artisans under the Sector Skill Councils.

So, the goal is not just to plant bamboo — but to make bamboo a profitable and sustainable rural industry.