Kisan Credit Card (KCC) Scheme

Schemes | Agriculture | Mains Paper 3: Agriculture and related issues

Note4Students

From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

Prelims level: Kisan Credit Card (KCC) Scheme

Why in the News?

According to the RBI, bad loans in the Kisan Credit Card (KCC) Scheme segment increased by 42% over the last four years, reaching ₹97,543 crore by December 2024, up from ₹68,547 crore in March 2021.

About the Kisan Credit Card (KCC) Scheme

The KCC Scheme is a government-backed credit initiative designed to provide timely and adequate credit to farmers for agricultural and allied activities.
Launched in 1998 on the recommendation of NABARD (R.V. Gupta Committee), the scheme aims to ensure easy access to institutional credit, reducing farmers’ dependency on moneylenders and informal credit sources.

Purpose of KCC:

- Provides short-term credit for crop cultivation and post-harvest needs.
- Supports working capital requirements for farm mechanization, dairy, poultry, fisheries, and other allied agricultural activities.
- Helps meet household consumption needs of farmers.
- Allows credit access for investment in agriculture-related businesses.
Credit and Repayment System:
- Farmers can avail collateral-free loans up to ₹2 lakh.
- Interest rates start as low as 4% per annum (with government interest subvention for timely repayment).
- The loan limit was increased from ₹3 lakh to ₹5 lakh in Budget 2025-26.
- Revolving credit system allows farmers to withdraw and repay as needed within the sanctioned limit.
- Repayment schedules are linked to the crop harvesting cycle, ensuring no undue financial burden.

Implementation: Commercial Banks; Regional Rural Banks (RRBs); Small Finance Banks; Cooperative Banks.

Additional Benefits:

- Comes with insurance coverage under the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY) to protect against crop loss.
- Covers fisheries and animal husbandry farmers (since 2018-19).

Successes and Limitations of the KCC Scheme:

Successes

Failures

Increased Financial Inclusion: 7.3 crore active accounts, reducing reliance on moneylenders.
Higher Agricultural Productivity: Easy access to inputs like seeds, fertilizers, and machinery.
Increased Support: Interest subvention makes loans affordable; loan limit raised from ₹3 lakh to ₹5 lakh (Budget 2025-26).
Promoted Rural Development: Covers women farmers, Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs), and non-farm activities.

Rising NPAs: Discussed above.
Loan Misuse: Funds diverted for non-agricultural expenses, increasing defaults.
Low Financial Literacy: Many farmers unaware of repayment terms, leading to debt traps.
High Credit Dependency: Continuous borrowing without income growth raises financial risks.

PYQ:

[2020] Under the Kisan Credit Card scheme, short-term credit support is given to farmers for which of the following purposes?

Working capital for maintenance of farm assets
Purchase of combine harvesters, tractors and mini trucks
Consumption requirements of farm households
Post-harvest expenses
Construction of family house and setting up of village cold storage facility

Select the correct answer:

(a) 1, 2 and 5 only

(b) 1, 3 and 4 only

(d) 1, 2, 4 and 5

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Agricultural Sector and Marketing Reforms – eNAM, Model APMC Act, Eco Survey Reco, etc.

Agriculture Infrastructure Fund (AIF) Scheme

Schemes | Agriculture | Mains Paper 3: Agriculture and related issues

Note4Students

From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

Prelims level: Agriculture Infrastructure Fund (AIF) Scheme

Why in the News?

Punjab has fully utilized ₹4,713 crore allocated under the Agriculture Infrastructure Fund (AIF), making it the top-ranked state in India for implementing this scheme.

As a result, Punjab has been granted an additional ₹2,337 crore to further expand its agricultural infrastructure projects.

What is the Agriculture Infrastructure Fund (AIF) Scheme?

The AIF is a ₹1 lakh crore financing facility launched by the Government of India in July 2020 to support post-harvest agricultural infrastructure and community farming assets.
AIF provides medium- to long-term debt financing at subsidized interest rates, along with credit guarantee support, to eligible beneficiaries.

Key Features of the AIF Scheme:

Total Corpus & Disbursement: ₹1 lakh crore, disbursed over 10 years (2020-21 to 2029-30).
Interest Subvention & Loan Benefits:
- 3% interest subvention on loans up to ₹2 crore.
- Credit guarantee support through CGTMSE and NABSanrakshan.
- Maximum interest rate capped at 9% for a 7-year tenure.
Eligible Projects:
- Post-harvest infrastructure: Warehouses, cold storage, silos, drying yards, sorting, and packaging units.
- Processing & Value Addition: Food processing plants, oil mills, flour mills, kinnow and cashew processing.
- Technology-driven solutions: Drone projects, hi-tech farm equipment rental centers.
- Renewable energy: Solar-powered irrigation and cold storage units.
Integration with Other Government Schemes: Can be combined with State & Central subsidies for maximum benefit.
Implementation & Monitoring:
- Managed via online MIS platform for real-time tracking.
- National, State & District-level monitoring committees ensure effective execution.

Eligible Beneficiaries Under AIF:

Individual Farmers: Seeking on-farm storage or processing units.
Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs): For community-based infrastructure.
Self-Help Groups (SHGs) & Joint Liability Groups (JLGs): Engaged in agricultural activities.
Cooperative Societies & Primary Agricultural Credit Societies (PACS): For collective farming and value addition.
Startups & Agri-Tech Companies: Developing post-harvest management solutions.
State Agencies & PPP Projects: Government-backed rural infrastructure projects.
Entrepreneurs & Agripreneurs: Working in food processing and value addition.

PYQ:

[2017] Which of the following is/are the advantage/advantages of implementing the ‘National Agriculture Market’ scheme?

1. It is a pan-India electronic trading portal for agricultural commodities.

2. It provides the farmers access to nationwide market, with prices commensurate with the quality of their produce.

Select the correct answer using the codes given below:

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 only

(d) Neither 1 nor 2

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Animal Husbandry, Dairy & Fisheries Sector – Pashudhan Sanjivani, E- Pashudhan Haat, etc

[pib] Livestock Health and Disease Control Scheme (LHDCS)

Schemes | Agriculture | Mains Paper 3: Economics Of Animal-Rearing

Note4Students

From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

Prelims level: Livestock Health and Disease Control Scheme (LHDCS)

Why in the News?

The Union Cabinet has approved the revision of the Livestock Health and Disease Control Programme (LHDCP).

The revised scheme, with a total outlay of ₹3,880 crore for 2024-25 and 2025-26, includes a new component called “Pashu Aushadhi” to improve the availability of generic veterinary medicines.

What is LHDC Scheme?

About

Government of India initiative launched in 2022.
Aims to improve animal health, control livestock diseases, and enhance veterinary services.
Revised with ₹3,880 crore outlay for 2024-25 and 2025-26.
Includes “Pashu Aushadhi” for affordable veterinary medicines.

Features of LHDC

Disease Control & Vaccination: Targets FMD, Brucellosis, PPR, CSF, Lumpy Skin Disease. Mass vaccination and eradication.
Veterinary Healthcare: Expansion of veterinary hospitals and Mobile Veterinary Units (MVUs).
Disease Surveillance: Strengthened disease reporting and monitoring systems.
“Pashu Aushadhi”: Affordable, high-quality veterinary medicines with ₹75 crore allocation.

Sub-Components:

Critical Animal Disease Control Programme (CADCP): Focuses on eradicating high-risk livestock diseases.
Establishment & Strengthening of Veterinary Hospitals and Dispensaries (ESVHD-MVU): Expands mobile veterinary units (MVUs) for better access to veterinary care.
Assistance to States for Control of Animal Diseases (ASCAD): Provides financial support to states for disease prevention and control.

Economic Benefits: Prevents livestock mortality and improves milk, meat, and wool production.

Implementation & Funding

Strategy: Coordinated efforts by Central and State Governments; monitoring and assessment mechanisms.

Funding: ₹3,880 crore for 2024-25 and 2025-26:

100% central funding for CADCP and non-recurring ESVHD components.
60:40 share for other components and ASCAD.
90:10 funding for North Eastern and Himalayan States.
100% Central funding for Union Territories.

PYQ:

[2015] Livestock rearing has a big potential for providing non-farm employment and income in rural areas. Discuss suggesting suitable measures to promote this sector in India.

[2012] Which of the following is the chief characteristic of ‘mixed farming’?
(a) Cultivation of both cash crops and food crops
(b) Cultivation of two or more crops in the same field
(c) Rearing of animals and cultivation of crops together
(d) None of the above

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Mother and Child Health – Immunization Program, BPBB, PMJSY, PMMSY, etc.

[pib] Phase-III of Suposhit Maa Abhiyan

Schemes | Governance | Mains Paper 2: Schemes For Vulnerable Sections

Note4Students

From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

Prelims level: Suposhit Maa Abhiyan

Why in the News?

Lok Sabha Speaker launched the third phase of the Suposhit Maa Abhiyan, a campaign aimed at empowering mothers and improving the health of pregnant women and newborns.

What is Suposhit Maa Abhiyan?

The Suposhit Maa Abhiyan is a maternal and child health initiative launched by Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla in March 2020 in Kota, Rajasthan.
It aims to eliminate malnutrition among pregnant women and newborns by providing nutritional support, medical care, and health awareness.
Social workers and volunteers identify underprivileged pregnant women. Registration through community outreach programs and online platforms.

Key Features:

- Nutritional Support: Monthly 17 kg nutrition kits for pregnant women.
- Medical Assistance: Regular health check-ups, blood tests, and medication support.
- Health Cards: Track maternal health, nutrition levels, and medical history.
- Adoption Model: One pregnant woman per family can be adopted for support.
- Awareness Drives: Sessions on maternal care, infant nutrition, and postpartum health.
- Mortality Rate Reduction: Increased normal deliveries, healthier newborns, and improved maternal health.

Phases of the Campaign:

Phase 1 (March 2020):

- 1,000 pregnant women received balanced nutrition kits.
- Medical check-ups, medicines, and delivery support provided.

Phase 2 (May 2022):

- 3,000 women received nutrition kits for 9 months.
- Expanded health monitoring and medical consultation services.

Phase 3 (February 2025):

- 1,800+ pregnant women identified for continuous health monitoring.
- Monthly nutrition kits and health card tracking introduced.

PYQ:

[2020] In order to enhance the prospects of social development, sound and adequate health care policies are needed particularly in the fields of geriatric and maternal health care. Discuss.

[2017] Which of the following are the objectives of the ‘National Nutrition Mission’?

To create awareness relating to malnutrition among pregnant women and lactating mothers.
To reduce the incidence of anaemia among young children, adolescent girls and women.
To promote the consumption of millets, coarse cereals and unpolished rice.
To promote the consumption of poultry eggs.

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 1, 2 and 3 only
(c) 1, 2 and 4 only
(d) 3 and 4 only

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Soil Health Management – NMSA, Soil Health Card, etc.

[pib] 10 Years of Soil Health Cards Scheme

Schemes | Agriculture | Mains Paper 3: Agriculture and related issues

Note4Students

From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

Prelims level: Soil Health Cards Scheme

Why in the News?

It has been 10 years since the Soil Health Card Scheme was introduced by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi on 19th February 2015 at Suratgarh, Rajasthan.

What is the Soil Health Card Scheme?

The SHC Scheme was launched to analyze soil quality and provide personalized recommendations to farmers for nutrient management and soil fertility improvement.
The scheme is implemented by the Department of Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare.
It has been integrated into Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (RKVY) since 2022-23 under the Soil Health & Fertility component.

Key Features of the Soil Health Card Scheme:

SHC evaluates 12 parameters, including:
- Macronutrients: N, P, K, S.
- Micronutrients: Zn, Fe, Cu, Mn, B.
- Physical & Chemical Properties: pH, EC, OC.
Samples collected twice a year (post-Rabi and Kharif).
Grid-based sampling: 2.5 ha in irrigated areas, 10 ha in rain-fed areas.
SHC Portal & Mobile App enable online tracking, GPS-tagged samples, and QR-coded test results.
Village-Level Soil Testing Labs (VLSTLs): 665 VLSTLs established across 17 states for local soil testing.
School Soil Health Programme: Implemented in 1020 schools, with 1000 soil testing labs and 125,972 students enrolled.

Successes and Limitations of SHC:

Success:

Crop Yields & Productivity Increased (8-10%) through optimized fertilizer application.
Farmers saved up to ₹5,000 per hectare by using balanced fertilizers.
665 Village-Level Soil Testing Labs (VLSTLs) established, improving soil testing accessibility.
Technological integration (SHC Portal & Mobile App) ensures real-time monitoring.
Encouraged sustainable farming practices, reducing soil degradation and nutrient depletion.

Limitations and Challenges:

Many farmers are unaware of SHC benefits and continue traditional farming methods.
Reports often reach farmers too late for implementation.
Limited soil testing labs and trained staff in remote areas.
Farmers need training to interpret SHC reports and apply recommendations.

PYQ:

[2017] Consider the following statements:

The nation-wide ‘Soil Health Card Scheme’ aims at-

1. expanding the cultivable area under irrigation.

2. enabling the banks to assess the quantum of loans to be granted to farmers on the basis of soil quality.

3. checking the overuse of fertilizers in farmlands.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 and 2 only

(b) 3 only

(d) 1, 2 and 3

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Land Reforms

[pib] Project NAKSHA

PIB Prelims Only Schemes | Governance | Mains Paper 2: E-Governance

Note4Students

From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

Prelims level: Project NAKSHA

Why in the News?

Union Minister of Rural Development has inaugurated the National Geospatial Knowledge-based Land Survey of Urban Habitations (NAKSHA) in 152 Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) across 26 States and 3 Union Territories (UTs).

What is Project NAKSHA?

It is an AI-driven urban land survey and digitization initiative launched by the Department of Land Resources under the Ministry of Rural Development.
Announced in the Union Budget 2024-25, the project aims to modernize urban land records through geospatial mapping, drone technology, and AI.
Launched in February 2025, the initiative will digitize and update land records in 152 Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) across 26 States and 3 Union Territories (UTs) in its pilot phase.
Survey of India is the technical partner, conducting aerial mapping and high-resolution imaging to create accurate, tamper-proof property records.
The Madhya Pradesh State Electronic Development Corporation (MPSEDC) is developing an end-to-end web-GIS platform.
- National Informatics Centre Services Inc. (NICSI) will provide storage and data security.
- The Survey of India will provide orthorectified imagery for accurate mapping.
Project NAKSHA builds on:

Digital India Land Records Modernization Programme (DILRMP) for digitizing rural land records.
SVAMITVA Scheme, using drone technology to map village properties.

Budgetary Provisions:

- Pilot phase funding: ₹194 crore, fully financed by the Government of India.
- Overall Phase 1 budget: ₹5,000 crore for nationwide expansion.

Aims and Objectives of Project NAKSHA:

Standardizing urban property ownership details to eliminate land disputes.
Ensuring fraud-proof, legally valid land documentation.
Drone surveys and satellite imagery for precision mapping.
Detecting encroachments, illegal constructions, and land use changes.
Providing spatial data for urban expansion and infrastructure projects.
Digital land records enable seamless property transactions and ownership transfers.

Features and Provisions:

150+ cities covered in the first year, with full urban coverage in five years.
AI-enabled classification to identify disputed, encroached, or illegal land parcels.
Web-GIS Platform for Land Record Management to be developed by MPSEDC, ensuring real-time data access and updates.
States and UTs to conduct field surveys and ground verification.

PYQ:

[2019] With reference to land reforms in independent India, which one of the following statements is correct?

(a) The ceiling laws were aimed at family holdings and not individual holdings.

(b) The major aim of land reforms was providing agricultural land to all the landless.

(d) Land reforms permitted no exemptions to the ceiling limits.

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Government Budgets

[pib] SASCI Scheme

Schemes | Economics | Mains Paper 3: Infrastructure: Energy, Ports, Roads, Airports, Railways Etc.

Note4Students

From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

Prelims level: SASCI Scheme

Why in the News?

The Government of India has sanctioned 40 projects across 23 states, allocating ₹3295.76 crore under the ‘Special Assistance to States for Capital Investment (SASCI) Scheme for the Financial Year 2024-25.

What is the SASCI Scheme?

The SASCI Scheme was launched in FY 2020-21 to support state capital expenditure and drive economic growth.
Initially introduced as a post-COVID recovery measure, it has been expanded in FY 2023-24 with an allocation of ₹1.3 lakh crore.
The scheme funds infrastructure projects, urban reforms, tourism development, and sustainability initiatives.
Structural Mandate: The scheme has eight parts based on states’ share of central taxes:

General Capital Assistance (₹1 lakh crore): Allocated based on states’ share of central taxes.
Vehicle Scrappage & Testing Facilities: Incentives for phasing out old vehicles & setting up automated testing centers.
Urban Planning Reforms: Encourages modern land-use planning & governance improvements.
Urban Finance Reforms: Strengthens municipal revenue models & financial sustainability.
Housing for Police Personnel: Funds residential units for police & their families.
Cultural & Economic Development (Unity Malls): Promotes One District One Product (ODOP), Make in India & local entrepreneurship.
Digital Libraries at Panchayat/Ward Levels: ₹5,000 crore for library infrastructure & digital learning access.
Development of Iconic Tourist Centres: Global-scale branding & infrastructure for major tourism hubs.

Features & Significance:

Boosts capital investment to stimulate demand and job creation.
Encourages reforms in urban governance, infrastructure, and sustainability.
Promotes responsible tourism and global branding of iconic destinations.
Strengthens local industries through One District One Product (ODOP).
Improves public services like policing, water supply, and rural roads.

PYQ:

[2016] Which of the following is/are included in the capital budget of the Government of India?

Expenditure on acquisition of assets like roads, buildings, machinery, etc.
Loans received from foreign governments
Loans and advances granted to the States and Union Territories

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 and 3 only

(d) 1, 2 and 3

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Women empowerment issues – Jobs,Reservation and education

[pib] NITI Aayog launches Swavalambini Initiative

PIB Schemes | Governance | Mains Paper 1: Role Of Women & Women Organization

Note4Students

From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

Prelims level: Swavalambini Initiative

Why in the News?

The NITI Aayog has launched Swavalambini Women Entrepreneurship Programme in collaboration with the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE).

About Swavalambini Women Entrepreneurship Programme:

It is a program to foster entrepreneurial skills among female students in higher education institutions across Assam, Meghalaya, and Mizoram.
Aims and Objectives:
- Empowerment: To inspire and equip young women to become job creators and leaders, thereby contributing to economic development in Northeast India.
- Skill Development: To provide structured training that covers essential business aspects, enhancing participants’ entrepreneurial competencies.
Provisions and Features:
- Entrepreneurship Awareness Programme (EAP): A two-day session introducing 600 female students to the fundamentals of entrepreneurship.
- Entrepreneurship Development Programme (EDP): An intensive 40-hour training for 300 selected participants, covering topics such as financial planning, market access, legal compliance, and business networking.
- Mentorship: Six months of dedicated mentorship to assist participants in transforming their business ideas into viable enterprises.
- Faculty Development Programme (FDP): A 5-day training for faculty members to enhance their ability to mentor aspiring entrepreneurs effectively.

PYQ:

[2010] Two of the schemes launched by the Government of India for Women’s development are Swadhar and Swayam Siddha. As regards the difference between them, consider the following statements:

Swayam Siddha is meant for those in difficult circumstances such as women survivors of natural disasters or terrorism, women prisoners released from jails, mentally challenged women etc., whereas Swadhar is meant for holistic empowerment of women through Self Help Groups.
Swayam Siddha is implemented through Local Self-Government bodies or reputed Voluntary Organizations whereas Swadhar is implemented through the ICDS units set up in the states.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 only

(d) Neither 1 nor 2

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Textile Sector – Cotton, Jute, Wool, Silk, Handloom, etc.

GREAT Scheme

Schemes | Economics | Mains Paper 3: Effects Of Liberalization On The Economy, Changes In Industrial Policy and their effects on Industrial Growth

Note4Students

From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

Prelims level: GREAT Scheme

Why in the News?

As of February 4, 2025, 4 startups have been approved under the ‘Grant for Research & Entrepreneurship across Aspiring Innovators in Technical Textiles (GREAT)’ Scheme.

About GREAT Scheme:

The GREAT Scheme is a government initiative under the National Technical Textiles Mission (NTTM).
Launched by the Ministry of Textiles, it provides financial support to startups working in technical textiles.
The scheme focuses on Medical Textiles, Industrial Textiles, and Protective Textiles, fostering innovation, research, and entrepreneurship.
It aims to promote entrepreneurship in technical textiles by funding early-stage innovations.

Provisions and Features:

- Financial Support: Startups receive grants of up to ₹50 lakh for up to a period of 18 months.
- No Royalty Requirement: Unlike private funding, the government does not take a share of the startup’s profits.
- Upfront Contribution: Startups must deposit 10% of the allocated grant (e.g., ₹5 lakh for a ₹50 lakh grant).
- Sector Focus: Covers Medical, Industrial, and Protective Technical Textiles.
- Budget Allocation: Part of the ₹375 crore funding for FY 2025 under NTTM.

Back2Basics: National Technical Textiles Mission (NTTM)

Launched in 2020 to make India a global leader in technical textiles through research and innovation.
Budget of ₹1,480 crore, focusing on medical, industrial, protective, and geo-textiles.
Supports R&D, skill development, and investment in high-performance textiles for defense, healthcare, and infrastructure.
Includes Production-Linked Incentives (PLI), PM MITRA Parks, and quality control regulations to boost manufacturing.
Aims to increase India’s technical textiles market to $40-50 billion with 15-20% annual growth.

PYQ:

[2013] Analyse the factors for highly decentralized cotton textile industry in India.

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Type: Schemes

Why in the News?

About the Kisan Credit Card (KCC) Scheme

Successes and Limitations of the KCC Scheme:

PYQ:

Why in the News?

What is the Agriculture Infrastructure Fund (AIF) Scheme?

Key Features of the AIF Scheme:

Eligible Beneficiaries Under AIF:

PYQ:

Why in the News?

What is LHDC Scheme?

PYQ:

Why in the News?

What is Suposhit Maa Abhiyan?

Phases of the Campaign:

PYQ:

Why in the News?

What is the Soil Health Card Scheme?

Key Features of the Soil Health Card Scheme:

Successes and Limitations of SHC:

Success:

Limitations and Challenges:

PYQ:

Why in the News?

What is Project NAKSHA?

Aims and Objectives of Project NAKSHA:

Features and Provisions:

PYQ:

Why in the News?

About the Prime Minister Dhan-Dhaanya Krishi Yojana (PMDKY):

PYQ:

Why in the News?

What is the SASCI Scheme?

Features & Significance:

PYQ:

Why in the News?

About Swavalambini Women Entrepreneurship Programme:

PYQ:

Why in the News?

About GREAT Scheme:

Back2Basics: National Technical Textiles Mission (NTTM)

PYQ: