RKVY RAFTAAR

The Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana Remunerative Approaches for Agriculture and Allied Sector Rejuvenation (RKVY-RAFTAAR) is an umbrella scheme initiated by the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare. The scheme aims to provide holistic development to transform agriculture into a sustainable and profitable economic activity. Offering States and UTs the freedom to plan and execute agricultural projects according to the requirements of each state and their agro-climatic conditions. Along with the focus on reducing yield gaps and enhancing productivity.

RKVY RAFTAAR supports various agricultural sectors including crop cultivation, animal husbandry, fisheries, and more, with funding varying according to different states and their requirements. The scheme also encourages innovation and entrepreneurship by providing financial support to agribusiness startups.

Table of Content

• ⇾ Objectives of RAFTAAR Scheme
• ⇾ RKVY RAFTAAR Eligibility Criteria
• ⇾ Projects Excluded From RAFTAAR Scheme
• ⇾ Funding Pattern of RAFTAAR Scheme
• ⇾ Significance of RKVY Scheme
• ⇾ Latest Updates on RKVY RAFTAAR
• ⇾ Apply For RAFTAAR Scheme
• ⇾ Frequently Asked Questions

Objectives of RAFTAAR Scheme

The main objective of the RAFTAAR scheme is to provide a holistic development of agricultural practices and make farming and agriculture a profitable activity. Here are the key objectives:

• To increase public investment in agriculture and other allied sectors.
• To give States the flexibility and freedom to select, plan, and execute projects and programs for agriculture as per their requirements.
• To prepare plans for solutions to various agricultural needs, agro-climatic conditions, and available resources.
• To reduce yield gaps in important crops through focused intervention.
• To maximize farmers’ earnings in agriculture and allied sectors.
• To bring about quantifiable improvements in production and productivity.

RKVY RAFTAAR Eligibility Criteria

To apply for the RAFTAAR scheme, certain eligibility criteria must be met. These criteria are given below:

• For States and Union Territories in India.
• Applicants must have a Detailed Project Report (DPR) that will include proper research on the requirements of the farmers in the State, the risks and cost involved, the problems to be addressed, time frame of the project, and more.
• The agricultural and allied sectors eligible for the scheme:
• Animal Husbandry and Fisheries, Dairy Development
• Agricultural Research and Education
• Crop Husbandry (including Horticulture)
• Food Storage and Warehousing
• Forestry and Wildlife
• Plantation and Agricultural Marketing
• Soil and Water Conservation
• Agricultural Financial Institutions
• Other Agricultural Programmes and Cooperation

Projects Excluded From RAFTAAR Scheme

Certain agricultural projects do not qualify for the RAFTAAR scheme. These schemes are basically those that do not align with the primary objectives of the RKVY RAFTAAR.
Projects like the following may be excluded or rejected from the scheme:

• For the creation or topping up of any revolving or corpus fund.
• Expenditure on the maintenance of assets or recurring expenses.
• For travel allowance or salary of permanent or semi-permanent employees.
• Vehicle expenses for petrol, oil, and lubricants (POL) will not be covered under the scheme.
• For subsidy top-up or debt relief from other Central/State schemes.
• Foreign travels, including study tours for farmers abroad.
• For the purchase of vehicles.
• For financing debt waivers, interest subvention, insurance premiums, compensation to farmers, or calamity relief expenditure; providing additional bonuses over and above the Minimum Support Price (MSP).
• For investing in assets in the private sector or NGOs beyond what is permissible under any Government of India schemes or programs.

Funding Pattern of RAFTAAR Scheme

The funding for the RAFTAAR scheme comes from grants by the Central Government to the State, here are how the funds are allocated:

• General ratio: The Central Government provides 60% of the funds with States giving the remaining 40%.
• North Eastern and Himalayan States: These States will get a higher share of 90% from the Central Government, while the States will provide the remaining 10%.
• Union Territories: The Central Government will fully fund 100% for the UTs.

Furthermore, the funds are allocated by the State for different agricultural needs. Given below are the allocation of funds by the States:

• Main allocation: The main allocation is 70%, of which, 50% is given to support the infrastructure and assets requirements. From 50%, 20% of the funds is given to support facilities before crops are harvested like irrigation systems and 30% of the funds is given to support the need for facilities after harvest such as storage units or processing plants.
  The main allocation is further divided into 30% for value-addition projects and 20% for flexi funds.
• Special Sub Schemes: There are also sub-schemes where the 20% of the funds are allocated to specific national agricultural priorities or regional needs.
• Innovation and Agri-entrepreneurship: The Central Government offers 10% of the funds to support initiatives for skill development as well as to provide financial assistance to agriculture-based entrepreneurs.

Significance of RKVY Scheme

The RKVY scheme offers many benefits to help bring about development and growth to the agricultural sector, here are what the scheme offers:

• Funds for Infrastructure: The scheme offers essential funds for pre-harvest and post-harvest infrastructure. This helps farmers get access to quality irrigation systems, greenhouses, storage facilities, and better market access.
• Value Addition: The scheme encourages projects and production models that add value to agricultural products. Helping farmers increase their income with higher production and productivity.
• Risk Mitigation: The RKVY scheme provides funding to promote activities like integrated farming, beekeeping, and floriculture along with farming of crops. This gives them additional income streams and reduces dependence on single crops.
• Empowering Youth: The scheme also attracts the youth as it encourages skill development, innovation, and agribusiness models. Giving young people the opportunity to become successful agricultural entrepreneurs.

Latest Updates on RKVY RAFTAAR

In 2020-21, the Ministry of Agriculture started offering financial support for innovation and entrepreneurship in the agricultural sector through the RKVY RAFTAAR. The scheme offers the following:

• Funding for startups: The scheme offered a total investment of about ₹3671.75 lakhs for startups with a focus on innovation, and agri-entrepreneurship development programs.
  A wide range of startups including agro-processing, artificial intelligence, digital agriculture, farm mechanisation, and more are funded through the scheme.

There are further programs provided by the scheme such as,

• Agripreneurship Orientation: It offers a 2-month program providing aspiring agribusiness owners with valuable knowledge and skills. Participants will also receive a monthly stipend of ₹10,000/- and mentorship on finance, technology, intellectual property, and other crucial aspects.
• Funding for Established Startups (R-ABI Incubatees): Startups already enrolled in designated incubators (R-ABI) are eligible for seed-stage funding of up to ₹25 lakhs. This funding combines an 85% grant and a 15% contribution from the startup itself.
• Funding for Early-Stage Ideas: Even entrepreneurs with just an idea or in the pre-seed stage can get financial help. Funding of up to ₹5 lakhs is available, with a 90% grant and a 10% contribution from the entrepreneur.

Apply For RAFTAAR Scheme

The application for RKVY RAFTAAR can only be made offline by submitting proposals for a project to the following:

• Direct Submission to Your State: Submit your proposal directly to the designated authority in your state (Nodal Implementing Agency or NLA). After which the NLA or State Government will then assess the proposal. If the proposal meets the criteria of the scheme, it will be forwarded to the State Level Steering Committee (SLSC) headed by the Chief Secretary for final consideration.
• National Submission through SFAC: Submit your proposal to the Small Farmers' Agri-Business Consortium (SFAC) at the national level. After which it will be reviewed and considered for the scheme.

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