Rationalization of Centrally Sponsored Schemes & National Mission on Edible Oils–Oilseeds
Context:
Recently, the Union Government rationalized 18 centrally sponsored schemes (CSS) and approved National Mission on Edible Oils–Oilseeds (NMEO-Oilseeds) to streamline agricultural development and reduce India’s dependency on edible oil imports.
Relevance:
GS-03 (Food Security)
Key highlights:
- Rationalization is a strategic approach by the central government to consolidate agricultural schemes into broader umbrella schemes.
- All CSS under the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare have been grouped into two main schemes:
- Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (PM-RKVY)
- Krishonnati Yojana (KY)
- The main objective behind Rationalization:
- To ensure food security and being self-sufficiency in agriculture sector.
- Address issues like nutrition security, climate resilience, and value chain development.
- To eliminate multiple scheme-specific approvals and bring a single integrated Annual Action Plan (AAP) to streamline the approval process.
- India’s Oil seed production:
- India stands 4th globally in oilseed production by contributing 10% to the global output.
- Top oilseed-producing states: Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, and Maharashtra.
Key Features of the Schemes:
- Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (PM-RKVY):
- PM-RKVY aims Promotes sustainable agricultural practices across India.
- Components of the yojana:
- Soil Health Management
- Rainfed Area Development
- Agro-Forestry
- Crop Diversification
- Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana
- Agricultural Mechanization including Crop Residue Management
- Per Drop More Crop (Irrigation Efficiency)
- Accelerator Fund for Agri-Startups.
- Krishonnati Yojana (KY):
- Krishonnati Yojana focuses on addressing food-security and to bring self-sufficiency in agriculture. It also aims to address challenges on climate resilience.
- The scheme also focuses on bringing private sector involvement in agriculture in the oilseed value chain.
- Comprehensive Strategic Document: States are empowered to create state-specific strategies to improve agriculture, focusing on crop production, climate resilience, and developing value chains.
National Mission on Edible Oils–Oilseeds (NMEO-Oilseeds)
- The initiative is launched by the Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare, which is set to run from 2024-25 to 2030-31.
- Main objective: Improving domestic production of oilseeds and reducing over-reliance on imports.
- It also seeks to expand oilseed cultivation by an additional 40 lakh hectares, targeting fallow lands and promoting intercropping.
- NMEO-OP (Oil Palm): It aims to increase edible domestic oil production by to 25.45 million tonnes and to increase crude palm oil production to 11.20 lakh tonnes by 2025-26.
Significance
- Focused Implementation: It helps the governments to prepare personalized strategies and policies to meet the specific requirements in the agriculture sector.
- Self-Sufficiency: The initiative in a way tries to achieve Atmanirbhar Bharat in the edible oil sector, as it aims to boost domestic production through advanced technologies, value chain development, and strategic crop expansion.
- Economic and Environmental Benefits: Reducing imports and focusing on domestic production will help save country’s foreign exchange. It also promotes sustainable farming practices and efficient use of resources.