Contents
Agroforestry Component under RKVY: Empowering Farmers with Quality Planting Material
The Agroforestry Component under the Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (RKVY) is a government initiative aimed at enhancing sustainable agriculture by integrating tree plantation with traditional farming practices. This scheme provides financial assistance to farmers and entrepreneurs for establishing nurseries and raising saplings, ensuring the availability of Quality Planting Material (QPM) across the country.
Objectives of the Scheme
The primary goals of the Agroforestry Component under RKVY include:
- Promoting integrated tree plantation with crops and livestock to boost productivity and income for rural households.
- Ensuring the availability of quality planting materials like seeds, seedlings, clones, and improved varieties.
- Popularizing various agroforestry practices suitable for different agro-ecological regions.
- Creating a comprehensive database and knowledge support system for agroforestry.
- Providing research, development, extension, and capacity-building support to the agroforestry sector.
- Facilitating market linkages for timber and non-timber products from agroforestry plantations.
- Promoting value addition and processing of agroforestry produce for additional income generation.
- Utilizing modern technology for monitoring and evaluating the impact of agroforestry practices.
Financial Assistance Details
The scheme offers financial support for various interventions:
- Establishment of New Nurseries:
- Hi-tech (2 ha): Up to ₹50 lakhs.
- Big (1 ha): Up to ₹60 lakhs.
- Small (0.5 ha): Up to ₹10 lakhs.
- Government agencies receive 100% assistance, while private entities get 50% assistance.
- Raising Saplings in Existing Nurseries:
- Up to ₹5 lakhs per nursery.
- 100% assistance for government agencies; 50% back-ended credit-linked assistance for private partners.
- Tissue Culture Units:
- Strengthening existing units: Up to ₹20 lakhs.
- Establishing new units: Up to ₹200 lakhs.
- Similar assistance structure as above.
Benefits to Farmers
The Agroforestry Component under RKVY offers numerous advantages:
- Climate Resilience: Helps in adapting to climate change effects through microclimate moderation and conservation of natural resources.
- Soil Health: Enhances soil fertility, conservation, and nutrient cycling.
- Carbon Sequestration: Increases carbon capture in farmlands, contributing to environmental sustainability.
- Economic Opportunities: Provides additional income sources through the sale of timber and non-timber products.
- Quality Planting Material: Ensures a steady supply of QPM for agroforestry practices.
Eligibility Criteria
All farmers across States and Union Territories are eligible to benefit from this scheme. The benefits are provided through state-specific Annual Action Plans.
Application Process
The application process is offline and follows these steps:
- Proposal Submission: Interested individuals or agencies submit proposals to the respective State Government.
- Evaluation: The State Government assesses the proposal’s alignment with state priorities and RKVY guidelines.
- Approval: If suitable, the proposal is forwarded to the State Level Sanctioning Committee (SLSC) for consideration.
- Implementation: Upon approval, an agreement is signed between the State Government and the project promoter, initiating the project rollout.
Required Documents
Applicants need to provide the following documents:
- Aadhaar Card
- Land Ownership Documents
- Bank Account Details
- Recent Photographs
Note: Specific document requirements may vary by state and intervention type.
Why Every Eligible Farmer Should Apply
The Agroforestry Component under RKVY is a significant step towards sustainable agriculture and improved livelihoods for farmers. By integrating tree plantation with traditional farming, it not only enhances productivity but also opens up new income avenues. The financial assistance provided reduces the initial investment burden, making it accessible for small and marginal farmers. Embracing this scheme can lead to long-term benefits, both economically and environmentally.
For more details and to apply, visit the official myScheme portal.
Conclusion
The Agroforestry Component under RKVY is more than just a subsidy scheme—it’s a vision for a greener, more profitable future for India’s farmers. By combining agriculture with tree cultivation, it empowers rural communities to increase their income, improve soil health, and make their farms more climate-resilient. With generous financial assistance and support for quality planting material, this scheme is a golden opportunity that every eligible farmer should tap into. Don’t miss out—reach out to your state agriculture department and take the first step toward sustainable farming and long-term prosperity.
