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Type: Schemes

  • Defence Sector – DPP, Missions, Schemes, Security Forces, etc.

    [pib] GRSE Accelerated Innovation Nurturing Scheme (GAINS 2024)

    Schemes | Security Issues | Mains Paper 3: Various Security Forces, Agencies & Their Mandates

    Note4Students

    From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

    Prelims level: GAINS Scheme

    Why in the News?

    The Defence Ministry has launched the “GRSE Accelerated Innovation Nurturing Scheme (GAINS 2024)” of Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers Limited (GRSE) in Kolkata.

    About GAINS 2024

    • GAINS aims to address challenges in shipyards and promote technology development through startups nurtured in the country.
    • It aligns with the ‘Make in India’ and ‘Start-up India’ policies of the Government of India.
      • Objective: To seek solutions for shipyard-related problems and promote technological advancements.
      • Target Audience: MSMEs and Start-Ups encouraged to develop innovative solutions.

    Significance of the Scheme

    • GAINS aims to strengthen maritime security and air defence through technological advancements.
    • It leverages MSMEs and Start-Ups to achieve self-reliance in ship design and construction.

    Various defence production indigenisation initiatives in India:

    • ADITI Scheme (2024): The scheme targets the development of approximately 30 deep-tech critical and strategic technologies within the proposed timeframe.
    • Defence Acquisition Procedure (DAP) 2020: Requires 50% indigenous content in procurement contracts.
    • Positive Indigenisation Lists: Mandates domestic procurement for nearly 5,000 items.
    • Srijan Indigenisation Portal (2020): Lists over 34,000 items for indigenisation.
    • Domestic Procurement Budget: Increased from 40% (₹52,000 crore) in 2020-21 to 75% (₹99,223 crore) in 2023-24.

    Innovations and R&D support:

    • iDEX Initiative (2018): Involves MSMEs, start-ups, and academia in defence innovation.
    • iDEX Prime (2022): Provides grants up to ₹10 crore for high-end solutions.
    • Technology Development Fund (TDF): Funding increased from ₹10 crore to ₹50 crore per project.

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  • Foreign Policy Watch- India-Central Asia

    [pib] Cabinet approves Central Sector Scheme “National Forensic Infrastructure Enhancement Scheme” (NFlES)

    Prelims OnlySchemes | Science Tech | Mains Paper 3: Awareness in various sc and tech fields

    Note4Students

    From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

    Prelims level: NFlES Scheme

    Why in the News?

    The Union Cabinet, chaired by PM Narendra Modi, approved the National Forensic Infrastructure Enhancement Scheme (NFIES).

    Do you know?

    • Central sector schemes: They are 100% funded by the Union government and implemented by the Central Government machinery. It covers subjects from Union List (central subjects).
    • Centrally Sponsored Scheme (CSS): It has a certain percentage of the funding borne by the States and the implementation is by the State Governments.It covers subjects from Concurrent List (shared subjects).
      • States have some flexibility to modify schemes to suit local needs within central guidelines.

    About National Forensic Infrastructure Enhancement Scheme (NFlES)

    • The Central Sector Scheme NFIES aims to strengthen national forensic infrastructure, expand NFSU’s reach, and establish CFSLs to meet growing forensic demands.
    • It aligns with India’s goals of enhancing forensic capabilities and securing robust criminal justice outcomes.

    Key Components of NFlES:

    • Campuses of NFSU: Establishing campuses of the National Forensic Sciences University (NFSU) across India.
    • Central Forensic Science Laboratories (CFSLs): Setting up new CFSLs nationwide.
      • Delhi Campus Enhancement: Upgrading infrastructure at the Delhi Campus of NFSU.
      • Financial outlay: Rs. 2254.43 crore for 2024-25 to 2028-29, funded by the Ministry of Home Affairs.
    • Objectives:  
      • Enhancing the criminal justice system with timely and scientific forensic examinations.
      • Addressing the increased workload due to new criminal laws requiring forensic investigation for serious offences.
      • Mitigating the shortage of trained forensic professionals in Forensic Science Laboratories (FSLs).

    Impact and Benefits

    • Improved Efficiency: Ensuring high-quality forensic examinations for efficient criminal justice processes.
    • Technology Integration: Leveraging advancements to handle evolving crime methods effectively.
    • Capacity Building: Training more forensic professionals to reduce case backlogs and support a high conviction rate exceeding 90%.

    PYQ:

    [2017] ‘Recognition of Prior Learning Scheme’ is sometimes mentioned in the news with reference to:

    (a) Certifying the skills acquired by construction workers through traditional channels.

    (b) Enrolling the persons in Universities for distance learning programmes.

    (c) Reserving some skilled jobs to rural and urban poor in some public sector undertakings.

    (d) Certifying the skills acquired by trainees under the National Skill Development Programme.

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  • Direct Benefits Transfers

    PM-Kisan Samman Nidhi Yojana

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

    Note4Students

    From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

    Prelims level: PM-KISAN, Rythu Bandhu Scheme

    Why in the News?

    The Prime Minister will release the 17th installment of the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN), amounting to over ₹20,000 crore, for 92.6 million beneficiary farmers across the country.

    About the PM-KISAN Scheme

    • The PM-KISAN is a Central Sector Scheme with 100% funding from the Government of India.
    • It is being implemented by the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmer’s Welfare.
    • Launched: In February 2019.
    • Aim: To help procure various inputs to ensure proper crop health and appropriate yields, commensurate with the anticipated farm income at the end of each crop cycle.
    • Objective: To provide eligible farmers with an annual financial assistance of ₹6,000.
      • This assistance is distributed in three equal instalments of ₹2,000 each every 4 months, via Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) into beneficiaries’ bank accounts.
    • Beneficiaries:
      • Farmer families that hold cultivable land can apply for the benefits of this plan.
      • Small and Marginal Farmers (SMFs) (a farmer who owns cultivable land up to 2 hectare as per land records of the concerned State/UT.).
      • The entire responsibility of identification of beneficiary farmer families rests with the State / UT Governments.

    Do you know?

    The PM-KISAN scheme was first conceived and implemented by the government of Telangana as the Rythu Bandhu scheme.

    Rythu Bandhu Scheme

    • It is also known as the Farmer’s Investment Support Scheme (FISS).
    • It is a welfare programme for farmers started in 2018 by the Telangana government.
    • Under the scheme, the state government provided the 58 lakh farmers in Telangana with ₹5,000 per acre of their land as a farm investment for two crops.
    • There is no ceiling on the number of acres held by a farmer.
    • So, a farmer who owns two acres of land would receive Rs 20,000 a year, whereas a farmer who owns 10 acres would receive Rs 1 lakh a year from the government.
    • This investment is made twice a year, once for the kharif harvest and once for the Rabi harvest.
    • It is the country’s first direct farmer investment support scheme where cash is paid directly to the beneficiary.

    Impact of the Scheme

    • Beneficiaries outreach: Over 11 crore farmers (with more than 3 crore women farmers) across the country have availed of the PM-Kisan scheme, indicating its widespread reach and impact.
    • Financial Support: This financial aid helps farmers meet their agricultural expenses, purchase seeds, fertilizers, and other inputs, and support their families’ livelihoods.
    • Improved Agricultural Practices: This contributes to food security and boosts the agricultural sector’s growth.
    • Poverty Alleviation: The scheme plays a crucial role in alleviating poverty among small and marginal farmers by providing them with a steady source of income just like Universal Basic Income (UBI).
    • Enhanced Livelihoods: PM-Kisan supports farmers’ livelihoods, by providing a safety net during times of agricultural distress or economic uncertainties, ensuring a better quality of life for rural communities.

    PYQ:

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

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

    Select the correct answer using the code given below:

    (a) 1, 2 and 5 only

    (b) 1, 3 and 4 only

    (c) 2, 3, 4 and 5 only

    (d) 1, 2, 4 and 5

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  • Direct Benefits Transfers

    PM-KISAN Scheme: Boosting Farmer Welfare

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

    Note4Students

    From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

    Prelims level: PM-KISAN Scheme

    Why in the News?

    Prime Minister has approved the 17th instalment of the PM Kisan scheme. This move will benefit 9.3 crore farmers, amounting to a distribution of approximately Rs 20,000 crore.

    About the PM-KISAN Scheme

    • The Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN) is a Central Sector Scheme with 100% funding from the Government of India.
    • It is being implemented by the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmer’s Welfare.
    • Launched: In February 2019.
    • Aim: To help procure various inputs to ensure proper crop health and appropriate yields, commensurate with the anticipated farm income at the end of each crop cycle.
    • Objective: To provide eligible farmers with an annual financial assistance of ₹6,000.
      • This assistance is distributed in three equal instalments of ₹2,000 each every 4 months, via Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) into the bank accounts of beneficiaries.
    • Beneficiaries:
      • Farmer families that hold cultivable land can apply for the benefits of this plan.
      • Small and Marginal Farmers (SMFs) (a farmer who owns cultivable land up to 2 hectares as per land records of the concerned State/UT.).
      • The entire responsibility of identification of beneficiary farmer families rests with the State / UT Governments.

    Significance for Farmers

    • Beneficiaries outreach: Over 11 crore farmers (with more than 3 crore women farmers) across the country have availed of the PM-Kisan scheme, indicating its widespread reach and impact.
    • Financial Support: This financial aid helps farmers meet their agricultural expenses, purchase seeds, fertilizers, and other inputs, and support their families’ livelihoods.
    • Improved Agricultural Practices: This contributes to food security and boosts the agricultural sector’s growth.
    • Poverty Alleviation: The scheme plays a crucial role in alleviating poverty among small and marginal farmers by providing them with a steady source of income just like Universal Basic Income (UBI).
    • Enhanced Livelihoods: PM-Kisan supports farmers’ livelihoods, by providing a safety net during times of agricultural distress or economic uncertainties, ensuring a better quality of life for rural communities.

    PYQ:

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

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

    Select the correct answer using the code given below:

    (a) 1, 2 and 5 only

    (b) 1, 3 and 4 only

    (c) 2, 3, 4 and 5 only

    (d) 1, 2, 4 and 5

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  • Housing for all – PMAY, etc.

    A door to a housing scheme, tribals find hard to open

    ExplainedSchemes | Governance | Mains Paper 2: Government Scheme/Policies

    Note4Students

    From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

    Prelims level: PM-JANMAN Scheme

    Mains level: Government initiatives and Programs; Technical Challenges in the implementation; PM JANMAN Housing Scheme;

    Why in the News?

    The PM JANMAN presents a new opportunity to transform the lives of India’s Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups.

    About PVTGs:

    India has numerous Adivasi groups, with 75 identified as Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs). These comprise around 14.6 lakh households and live in scattered, remote, and often inaccessible areas. Their livelihoods rely on methods and tools that predate agriculture. PVTGs have low literacy rates, economic backwardness, and stagnant populations.

    In 1960-61, the Dhebar Commission identified disparities among Scheduled Tribes, leading to the creation of the “Primitive Tribal Groups” (PTG) category.
    In 2006, this category was renamed Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs).

    Government Initiatives:

    • Pradhan Mantri PVTG Development Mission. Announced for the fiscal year 2023-24 to improve socio-economic conditions of PVTGs.
    • Pradhan Mantri Janjati Adivasi Nyaya Maha Abhiyan (PM-JANMAN) launched in November 2023.
    •  Pradhan Mantri Adi Adarsh Gram Yojana, Integrated Tribal Development Project (ITDP) and Tribal Sub-Plan (TSP).

    PM JANMAN Objectives:

    • Provide essential services to PVTGs, including safe housing, clean drinking water, and sanitation.
    • The largest Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) scheme in the initiative.
    • Aims to reach 4.90 lakh PVTG households by 2026.
    • Households to receive ₹2.39 lakh each in three instalments.

    Technical Challenges in the PM JANMAN Housing Scheme

    App Functionality and Data Gathering:

    • Data Collection Areas: The ‘Awaas+’ app records geographical locations, household profiles with geo-tagging, and bank account details for cash transfers.
    • Mandatory Jobcard: Registration requires a jobcard, but many have been deleted, affecting PVTGs’ eligibility.

    Jobcard Issues:

    • Deletion of Jobcards: Widespread deletion of over eight crore MGNREGA jobcards in the past two years has led to many PVTGs being ineligible for the scheme.
    • Jobcard Misuse: Cases of fraudulent registrations with someone else’s job cards further complicate the registration process.

    Village List Discrepancies:

    • Inconsistent Data: The pre-populated list of villages in the app does not match the MGNREGA Management Information System (MIS). For example, the app lists 22 villages while the MIS lists 31 villages for ‘Vanjari’ Panchayat in Andhra Pradesh, causing confusion.

    Aadhaar-related Issues:

    • Name Matching: The app requires names as per Aadhaar records but does not guide what to do if Aadhaar is absent.
    • PVTG Identification: The app does not explicitly identify PVTGs, using a default ‘ST’ option, leading to non-PVTG registrations.

    Certification Issues:

    • Local Certification: Ineligible registrations prompt local officials to ask PVTGs for certification from sarpanches/mukhiyas.
    • Conflict of Interest: Non-PVTG sarpanches/mukhiyas in mixed communities may act against the interests of PVTGs, complicating the certification process.

    Geo-tagging Problems:

    • Network Issues: Geo-tagging required for planned construction locations faces chaos due to poor network connectivity, hindering accurate data capture.

    Bank Selection Complexity:

    • Overwhelming Options: The app’s dropdown lists for banks are excessively long. For example, selecting ‘Commercial Bank’ shows over 300 options, and choosing ‘State Bank of India’ in Andhra Pradesh presents over 500 branches, adding unnecessary complexity for both PVTGs and officials.

    Opportunity/Way Forward for PM JANMAN Housing Scheme

    • Simplify App Interface: Update the ‘Awaas+’ app to have a more user-friendly interface and reduce unnecessary complexities, such as the long dropdown lists for banks.
    • Clear Guidelines for Aadhaar: Provide explicit instructions on what names to use in the absence of Aadhaar, ensuring all eligible PVTGs can register.
    • Verify Jobcard Authenticity: Introduce robust mechanisms to prevent fraudulent registrations using others’ jobcards.
    • Improve Network Infrastructure: Invest in better network infrastructure in remote areas to support the geo-tagging feature.

    Mains PYQ:

    Q Given the diversities among tribal communities in India, in which specific contexts should they be considered as a single category? (UPSC IAS/2022)

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  • RBI Notifications

    RBI to launch Mobile App for Retail Direct scheme

    Prelims OnlySchemes | Economics | Mains Paper 3: Indian Economy

    Note4Students

    From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

    Prelims level: Retail Direct Scheme

    Mains level: NA

    Why in the news?

    The RBI has decided to introduce a Mobile App of its RBI Retail Direct scheme aimed at facilitating seamless investment in government securities by retail investors.

    What is Retail Direct Scheme?

    • Retail Direct Scheme was rolled out in November 2021, giving access to individual investors to maintain gilt accounts with RBI and invest in government securities.
    • Using this app, investors can buy central and state government bonds as well as Treasury bills.
    • It enables investors to buy securities in primary auctions as well as buy/sell securities through the Negotiated Dealing System-Order Matching system (NDS-OM) platform.
    • A Gilt Account can be compared with a bank account, except that the account is debited or credited with treasury bills or government securities instead of money.

    Treasury Bills:

    • They are promissory notes issued by the RBI on behalf of the government as a short term liability and sold to banks and to the public.
    • The maturity period ranges from 14 to 364 days.
    • They are the negotiable instruments, i.e. they are freely transferable.
    • No interest is paid on such bills but they are issued at a discount on their face value.

     How does it work?

    • Under the scheme, small investors can buy or sell government securities (G-Secs), or bonds, directly without an intermediary like a mutual fund.
    • However, the same tax rules apply to income from G-Secs.
    • The minimum amount for a bid is ₹10,000 and in multiples of ₹10,000 thereafter.
    • Payments may be made through Net banking or the UPI

    Benefits of RDS

    • With the government being the borrower, there is a sovereign guarantee for the funds and hence zero risk of default.
    • Also, government securities may offer better interest rates than bank fixed deposits, depending on prevailing interest rate trends.

    How can individuals access G-Sec offerings?

    • Investors wishing to open a Retail Direct Gilt account directly with the RBI can do so through an online portal set up for the purpose of the scheme.
    • Once the account is activated with the aid of a password sent to the user’s mobile phone, investors will be permitted to buy securities either in the primary market or in the secondary market.

    PYQ:

    [2018] Consider the following statements:

    1. The Reserve Bank of India manages and services Government of India Securities but not any State Government Securities.

    2. Treasury bills are issued by the Government of India and there are no treasury bills issued by the State Governments.

    3. Treasury bills offer are issued at a discount from the par value.

    Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

    (a) 1 and 2 only

    (b) 3 only

    (c) 2 and 3 only

    (d) 1, 2 and 3

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  • Women empowerment issues – Jobs,Reservation and education

    The long, bumpy road from ‘drone didis’ to ‘lakhpati didis’

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

    Note4Students

    From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

    Prelims level: Lakhpati Didi Scheme

    Mains level: Modernization of Agriculture and Role of Women

    Why in the news? 

    Efforts of fertilizer companies in supporting a Central government program aimed at training women to operate drones for spraying pesticides.

    Context-

    • This initiative represents a broader trend of encouraging women’s entrepreneurship in India and empowering them to participate in traditionally male-dominated sectors such as agriculture and technology.
    • The involvement of fertilizer companies in funding and facilitating this program underscores the importance of public-private partnerships in driving social and economic development initiatives. 

    Scheme Details-

    Under the Namo Drone Didi scheme, 15,000 women-led Self-Help Groups (SHGs) will receive agricultural drones to assist in crucial tasks such as crop monitoring, fertiliser spraying, and seed sowing.

    Costs to companies-

    • Financial Commitment by Fertilizer Companies: Fertilizer companies such as Indian Farmers Fertiliser Cooperative Limited (IFFCO) and Coromandel International Limited (CIL) are shouldering significant costs for the “drone didi” program.
    • IFFCO is investing ₹42 crore to support the training and equipment for 300 drone didis, while CIL is backing another 200.
    • Expense Breakdown: The approximate cost per woman participating in the program is ₹14 lakh. This covers expenses like the drone, four battery sets, a generator, and an electric autorickshaw for transportation.
    • IFFCO has categorized this expenditure as “benefits to farmers” in its financial records.
    • Contribution of Other Companies: Several additional fertilizer companies, including Krishak Bharati Cooperative (KRIBHCO), Indian Potash Limited (IPL), Matix, Indorama India Private Limited, Brahmaputra Valley Fertilizer Corporation Limited, and National Fertilizers Limited, are collectively providing an extra 500 drones.
    • Funding Arrangement: The Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare has agreed to provide financial assistance of up to ₹8 lakh for each set of equipment. The remaining ₹2 lakh is to be sourced by the participating Self-Help Groups (SHGs).

    Farmer trials-

    • Online Portal Enrollment: Haryana’s Agriculture Department, along with fertilizer companies, introduced online enrollment via the Meri Fasal Mera Byora portal to encourage farmers to apply for crop spraying through drones.
    • Subsidized Nano Urea Bottle: Farmers are offered a 1-litre nano urea bottle at ₹100, discounted from the market price of ₹225. This nano urea, when mixed with water, serves one acre.
    • Manual vs. Drone Spraying: Farmers weigh the costs of the manual application, which include subsidized granular urea and labor costs, against the higher charges of drone didis.
    • Viability for Small Landholders: Small landholders express concerns about the affordability and practicality of drone services due to limited financial resources and smaller land holdings.
    • Usefulness of Drones: Drones are seen as more cost-effective for larger plantations like coffee, tea, or sugarcane, rather than smaller-scale agricultural operations.
    • Financial Constraints: Farmers highlight financial constraints, including the inability to afford necessities like housing, education, and farm equipment, which diminishes the feasibility of investing in drone technology.

    The women’s challenges-

    • Fuel Costs:  significant daily expenses (₹500 to ₹600) on fuel to run the generator required to charge the battery sets for the drone, raising concerns about the economic feasibility of the job in the long run.
    • Battery Set Limitations: Each day, exhausts one charged battery set after covering three acres with the drone. This necessitates simultaneous charging of another set in her electric vehicle (EV) to continue her work, resulting in additional time and fuel costs.
    • Economic Viability: Despite the potential earnings mentioned on paper, there are doubts about the economic viability of the job due to high fuel costs, the need for additional assistance, and uncertainties regarding the longevity of the scheme’s benefits
    • Safety Concerns and Need for Assistance: There is safety concerns while operating the drone and the necessity of having an assistant to drive the electric autorickshaw and assist with unloading and handling the heavy drone equipment.
    • Lack of Provision for Helpers: There is no provision for hiring assistants or helpers in the scheme, leading to additional expenses

    Limitation of this scheme- 

    • Current Urea Usage and Subsidy: India uses 3.5 lakh metric tonnes (MT) of granular urea annually, with a significant portion subsidized by the government to make it affordable for farmers. Liquid nano urea, an alternative, is produced in limited quantities.
    • Government’s Vision for Nano Urea Production: The government aims to increase the production capacity of liquid nano urea to reduce dependence on expensive imported granular urea. The goal is to produce 48.5 crore bottles annually by 2026-27.
    • Limitations of Nano Urea: While liquid nano urea can supplement traditional granular urea, it cannot entirely replace it due to specific requirements in different stages of crop growth.
    • Ownership and Earnings Concerns: There are uncertainties regarding the ownership of drones and the distribution of earnings from drone operations among individuals, Self-Help Groups (SHGs), village organizations (VOs), or cluster-level federations (CLFs).
    • Need for Clarity and Coordination: Questions are raised about the lack of clarity on ownership, earnings distribution, and coordination among stakeholders involved in drone operations.
    • Challenges with Previous Proposals: Issues regarding the implementation of previous drone-related schemes, such as the procurement of drones under Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs), and concerns about competition from individual farmers purchasing their drones are highlighted.

    To overcome the challenges outlined regarding drone operations and nano urea production, several measures can be considered:

    • Clarity in Ownership and Earnings Distribution: Establish clear guidelines and agreements on drone ownership and revenue sharing among individuals, SHGs, VOs, and CLFs. Ensure transparency in decision-making processes and consult all stakeholders involved.
    • Enhanced Coordination: Facilitate better coordination among government agencies, agricultural organizations, and drone operators to streamline operations, address concerns, and ensure effective implementation of schemes. Regular meetings, feedback mechanisms, and communication channels can aid in coordination efforts.
    • Capacity Building: Provide training and capacity-building programs for drone operators, farmers, and other stakeholders to enhance their skills in drone operation, maintenance, and data interpretation. This can improve the efficiency and effectiveness of drone-based agricultural activities.
    • Promotion of Nano Urea: Invest in research and development to improve the efficacy and availability of liquid nano urea. Conduct awareness campaigns to educate farmers about the benefits and proper usage of nano urea, emphasizing its role as a supplement to traditional fertilizers.
    • Policy Reforms: Review existing policies related to drone operations, urea subsidy, and agricultural initiatives to address loopholes and inconsistencies. Introduce new policies or amendments to support the expansion of nano urea production and drone technology adoption in agriculture.
    • Collaborative Partnerships: Foster partnerships between government agencies, private companies, research institutions, and farmer groups to leverage expertise, resources, and innovation in addressing challenges related to drone operations and urea production.
    • Monitoring and Evaluation: Implement robust monitoring and evaluation mechanisms to assess the impact of drone-based agricultural initiatives and nano urea production efforts. Collect data on key performance indicators and stakeholders’ feedback to identify areas for improvement and make informed decisions.

    Conclusion-

    The initiative to train women as “drone didis” for agricultural tasks faces challenges of economic viability, ownership clarity, and coordination. Solutions include clear guidelines, capacity building, policy reforms, and collaborative partnerships to ensure sustainable implementation and overcome limitations in nano urea production.

    Mains PYQ-

    Q- The Self Help Group (SHG) Bank Linkage Program (SBLP), which is India’s own innovation , has proved to be one of the most effective poverty alleviation and women empowerment programme. Elucidate.(UPSC IAS/2015)

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  • Food Processing Industry: Issues and Developments

    Mission Palm Oil: Achieving Self-sufficiency in Edible Oil Production

    Schemes | Agriculture | Mains Paper 3: Major Crops & Cropping Patterns

    Note4Students

    From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

    Prelims level: Mission Palm Oil, Key stats on India's Edible Oil Imports

    Mains level: NA

    Why in the news-

    • The Prime Minister highlighted the National Mission on Edible Oils – Oil Palm (NMEO-OP) during his visit to Arunachal Pradesh, inaugurating the first oil mill under this mission.

    Why discuss this?

    • This results in a substantial outflow of $20.56 billion in foreign exchange, the need for self-reliance in edible oil production has become paramount.

    Edible Oil Consumption in India: Key Facts

    • India, the world’s biggest importer of vegetable oils, is likely to buy 15.6 million metric tons of cooking oils in the 2023-24 oil year, down from 16.6 million in the current year to Oct.
    • With India imports 57% of its vegetable oil demand.
    • These imports have shown a declining trend in recent months.
    • This decline is attributed to various factors such as reduced availability of palm oil for edible oil requirements due to producers diverting it for biodiesel production.
    • Additionally, the import of soyabean oil from Argentina increased sharply in February 2024, while imports from Brazil declined.
    • The top three vegetable oil imports – palm, soybean, and sunflower seed oil.
    • India’s vegetable oil sector accounts for 13% of the Gross Cropped Area, 3% of the Gross National Product, and 10% of the value of all agricultural commodities.
    • A substantial portion of India’s edible oil requirement is fulfilled through palm oil imports from Indonesia and Malaysia.

    Mission Palm Oil: A Catalyst for Self-Reliance

    • It is a Centrally Sponsored Scheme launched in 2021 targeting a substantial increase in oil palm cultivation and crude palm oil production.
    • It has been introduced with a particular emphasis on the Northeast region and the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.

    Objectives:

    1. Expand oil palm acreage by an additional 6.5 lakh hectares by 2025-26
    2. Increase crude palm oil production to 11.2 lakh tonnes by 2025-26, reaching up to 28 lakh tonnes by 2029-30.
    3. Increase consumer awareness to maintain a consumption level of 19.00 kg/person/annum till 2025-26.

    Focus Areas

    (1)  Fixing of Viability Price

    • Oil palm farmers currently produce Fresh Fruit Bunches (FFBs), from which the industry extracts oil.
    • Presently, FFB prices fluctuate with international Crude Palm Oil (CPO) prices.
    • The Government of India will now assure price stability for FFBs, known as Viability Price (VP), shielding farmers from international CPO price fluctuations.
    • A Formula Price (FP), set at 14.3% of CPO and adjusted monthly, will be established. Viability gap funding will be the difference between VP and FP, directly disbursed to farmers’ accounts via Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) when necessary.

    (2) Input Assistance

    • The scheme’s second major focus is to significantly enhance input assistance/interventions, including:
      1. Increasing assistance for oil palm planting material from Rs. 12,000 to Rs. 29,000 per hectare.
      2. Boosting support for maintenance and intercropping interventions.
      3. Providing special assistance of Rs. 250 per plant for replanting old gardens to rejuvenate them.
      4. Offering special assistance tailored for the North-East and Andaman regions, including provisions for half-moon terrace cultivation, bio-fencing, land clearance, and integrated farming.

    Try this PYQ from CSE Prelims 2019:

    Among the following, which one is the largest exporter of rice in the world in the last five years?

    (a) China

    (b) India

    (c) Myanmar

    (d) Vietnam

     

    Practice MCQ:

    Consider the following statements:

    1. India is the world’s biggest importer of vegetable oils.
    2. The top three vegetable oil imports include – soybean, palm and groundnut oil.

    Which of the given statements is/are correct?

    (a) Only 1

    (b) Only 2

    (c) Both 1 and 2

    (d) Neither 1 nor 2

     

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

    [pib] Integration of Kisan Credit Card (KCC) Fisheries Scheme and JanSamarth Portal

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

    Note4Students

    From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

    Prelims level: Kisan Credit Cards (KCC) Scheme, JanSamarth Portal

    Mains level: NA

    Why in the news-

    • The Department of Fisheries inaugurated the integration of the Kisan Credit Card (KCC) Fisheries scheme onto the JanSamarth Portal, marking a revolutionary step in providing credit facilities to fishers and fish farmers nationwide.

    JanSamarth Portal

    • It is a first-of-its-kind online platform for directly connecting lenders with beneficiaries. Citizens can avail loans under 13 Central government schemes under 4 loan categories.
    • The one-stop portal allows citizens to check eligibility, apply online and get digital approval.

    About KCC Fisheries Scheme

    • The GoI, in the year 2018-19, extended KCC facility to fisheries and animal husbandry farmers to help them to meet their working capital requirements.
    • Bank authorities have been instructed to issue KCC within 14 days of receipt of the completed application from the fish farmers.
    • Benefits Include:
    1. For the existing KCC holders the benefits of interest subvention and prompt repayment incentive will be admissible up to the credit limit of Rs. 3 lakhs including fisheries activities.
    2. In the case of new card holders, the credit limit is Rs. 2 lakhs to meet their working capital requirements for fisheries activities.
    3. In the KCC scheme @7% is the lending rate to farmers including @2% interest subvention per annum by GoI. Also, another @3% per annum is provided in case of prompt repayment as an additional incentive as per the existing guidelines.
    4. This implies that the farmers repaying promptly as above would get a loan @ 4% per annum effectively for loan amount upto Rs 2 lakhs.

    Kisan Credit Cards (KCC) Scheme

    • The KCC scheme was introduced on the recommendation of R.V. Gupta of the National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development.
    • The scheme was launched in 1998 to provide adequate and timely credit support from the banking system to the farmers.
    • It provides a single window with flexible and simplified procedures to the farmers for their cultivation and other needs like purchasing agriculture inputs such as seeds, fertilizers, pesticides etc. and drawing cash for their production needs.
    • The scheme was further extended for the investment credit requirement of farmers viz. allied and non-farm activities in the year 2004.
    • In 2018-19, it was extended to fisheries and animal husbandry farmers.

    Objectives include:

    1. To meet the short-term credit requirement for cultivation
    2. To manage post-harvest expenses
    3. To meet the consumption requirement of farmer’s household
    4. Working capital for maintaining the farm assets and activities allied to agriculture
    5. Investment credit requirement for agriculture-allied activities

    KCC scheme is implemented by:

    1. Commercial banks
    2. Regional Rural Banks (RRBs)
    3. Small Financial Banks, and
    4. Cooperative banks

    Try this PYQ from CSE Prelims 2020:

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

    1. Working capital for maintenance of farm assets
    2. Purchase of combine harvesters, tractors and mini trucks
    3. Consumption requirements of farm households
    4. Post-harvest expenses
    5. 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

    (c) 2, 3, 4 and 5 only

    (d) 1, 2, 4 and 5

     

    Practice MCQ:

    The JanSamarth Portal often seen in the news is related to:

    (a) Lending Facility

    (b) E-KYC

    (c) Consumer Grievances

    (d) Right to Information

     

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  • Make in India: Challenges & Prospects

    [pib] ‘Vocal for Local’ Initiative

    Schemes | Governance | Mains Paper 2: Government Scheme/Policies

    Note4Students

    From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

    Prelims level: Vocal for Local Initiative, Aspirational Blockd/Dist Program

    Mains level: NA

    Why in the news-

    About Vocal for Local Initiative

    • Under this program, indigenous local products from 500 Aspirational Blocks have been mapped and consolidated for sale.
    • District collectors and block-level officials will collaborate with partners such as Government e-Marketplace (GeM) and Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC) to facilitate sustainable growth of microenterprises in Aspirational Blocks.
    • To facilitate this, a dedicated window for Aspirational Blocks Programme under the brand name ‘Aakanksha’ on GeM portal has been established.

    What is Aspirational Blocks Programme (ABP)?

    • The ABP is set on the lines of the Aspirational District Programme that was launched in 2018 and covers 112 districts across the country.
    • The Centre had announced its intention to launch this initiative in the Union Budget 2022-23.
    • The programme will cover 500 districts across 31 states and Union Territories initially.
    • Over half of these blocks are in 6 states—Uttar Pradesh (68 blocks), Bihar (61), Madhya Pradesh (42), Jharkhand (34), Odisha (29) and West Bengal (29).
    • However, states can add more blocks to the programme later.

    Back2Basics:  Aspirational Districts Programme (ADP)

    Details
    Launch Date January 2018
    Objective To transform identified aspirational districts quickly and effectively through a mass movement.
    Program Contours
    • Convergence of Central & State Schemes
    • Collaboration among Central, State level ‘Prabhari’ Officers & District Collectors
    • Competition among districts driven by mass Movement.
    Selection of Districts
    • 117 Aspirational districts identified by NITI Aayog based on composite indicators.
    • Real-time progress monitored based on 49 indicators from 5 thematic areas.
    Weightage of Indicators
    1. Health & Nutrition (30%)
    2. Education (30%)
    3. Agriculture & Water Resources (20%)
    4. Financial Inclusion & Skill Development (10%)
    5. Basic Infrastructure (10%)
    Core Strategy
    • Development as a mass movement
    • Identify strengths and low-hanging fruits in each district
    • Measure progress and rank districts
    • Foster competition.
    Features
    • Transform into a Jan Andolan
    • Real-time data tracking for monitoring improvement
    • Convergence between central and state government programmes.
    • District performance made public
    • Experience building of district bureaucracy
    • Targeted towards the entire district population.

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