Rationalisation of Centrally Sponsored Schemes & National Mission on Edible Oils–Oilseeds

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:

  1. 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.
  2. 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

  1. Focused Implementation:  It helps the governments to prepare personalized strategies and policies to meet the specific requirements in the agriculture sector. 
  2. 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.
  3. 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.