Do farmer brothers know about all these government schemes?
Many farmers across the country are still unaware of the various welfare schemes offered by the central government. While the PM Kisan Samman Nidhi is well-known and widely utilized, several other schemes remain underutilized due to lack of awareness. Here, we provide details about some key government initiatives to ensure that every farmer can benefit from these programs.
Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN)
Launched on February 24, 2019, this central sector scheme aims to support the financial needs of landholding farmers. Under this scheme, farmers receive an annual benefit of ₹6,000, which is transferred in three equal installments directly to their bank accounts via Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT).
Pradhan Mantri Kisan Maandhan Yojana (PM-KMY)
To offer financial assistance and security to the most vulnerable farmer families, the government introduced the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Maandhan Yojana. This scheme targets small and marginal farmers aged between 18 and 40 years with up to 2 hectares of cultivable land. It provides a monthly pension of ₹3,000 upon reaching the age of 60.
Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY)
The Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana provides an affordable crop insurance option, covering crops from pre-sowing to post-harvest against non-preventable natural risks. This scheme is designed to be accessible to all farmers and ensures comprehensive risk coverage with adequate claim settlements.
Interest Subvention Scheme (ISS)
The Interest Subvention Scheme offers concessional short-term agricultural loans to farmers involved in crop cultivation and allied activities such as livestock, dairy, and fisheries. Farmers can avail of short-term loans up to ₹3 lakh at a 7% annual interest rate. Those who repay their loans on time can benefit from an additional 3% discount, reducing the effective interest rate to 4%.
Sub-Mission on Agricultural Mechanization (SMAM)
Implemented since April 2014, the Sub-Mission on Agricultural Mechanization aims to accelerate the inclusive development of agricultural mechanization, particularly for small and marginal farmers. The mission focuses on expanding the reach of mechanization in available areas.
Development Mission
This mission seeks to enhance the production of staple crops like rice, wheat, pulses, and coarse cereals (such as maize and barley), as well as nutritious cereals (sorghum, pearl millet, ragi) and commercial crops (jute, cotton, sugarcane). The focus is on sustainable area expansion and productivity improvement in designated districts.
Integrated Scheme for Agricultural Marketing (ISAM)
ISAM assists state governments in improving agricultural produce marketing by developing market structures, building capacity, and providing access to market information. As part of this scheme, the National Agricultural Market Scheme (e-NAM) integrates mandis in 23 states and 4 Union Territories with an online platform, enhancing market access and efficiency.
Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture (MIDH)
The Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture is a centrally sponsored scheme aimed at the comprehensive development of the horticulture sector. It includes fruits, vegetables, root and tuber crops, mushrooms, spices, flowers, aromatic plants, and commercial crops like coconut, cashew, cocoa, and bamboo.
Soil Health Card Scheme
The Soil Health Card Scheme evaluates the current state of soil health and tracks changes over time influenced by land management practices. The scheme’s primary goal is to support states in issuing Soil Health Cards to farmers, helping them manage soil health more effectively.
By increasing awareness of these schemes, we can ensure that every farmer has the opportunity to benefit from these valuable resources.
