Winter Farming in India: Government Schemes and Assistance

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By JasvirUpdated On: 08-Dec-2023 01:57 PM

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ByJasvir |Updated On: 08-Dec-2023 01:57 PM

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3,103 Views

Winter farming, also known as rabi season in India, arrives between October and April months. The winter season offers favourable conditions for various crops in India. One of the most cultivated crops in India - wheat, is planted during the winter season.

While winter farming may be the most common practice, there are many risks and challenges farmers face during this season that can financially cripple them. The government of India has launched many initiatives to reduce these risks. This article will explore the various government schemes and assistance services that help farmers across the country.

Winter Farming in India

In winter farming, crops are planted during mid-November in the rabi season and harvested in April or May months. The most commonly planted crop during this period is wheat.

Other than wheat, crops such as onions, potatoes, mustard, barley and gram are also widely cultivated during the rabi season. It is also the season when vegetables such as cauliflower, carrots, spinach and green peas are grown.

Also Read Irrigation Strategies for Rabi Crops: Dos and Don’ts

During the winter season, crops also experience a higher risk of getting damaged which leaves financial strain on farmers. The Indian government has launched many financing and insurance schemes throughout history to reduce the burden of farmers.

Government Schemes and Assistance

Some of the most beneficial government schemes and assistance services for farmers are discussed below.

Financing Schemes and Subsidies for Farmers

A detailed list of various financing schemes by the Indian government for farmers is given below.

Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (RKVY)

The Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (RKVY) was launched in 2007 and provided farmers with 100% assistance. Nowadays the funding works on a 60:40 ratio, with 90:10 for hilly areas and 100% for farmers living in union territories. This scheme offers funding up to Rs 5 lakh to farmers.

Pradhan Mantri Kisan Tractor Yojana (PMKTY)

The Pradhan Mantri Kisan Tractor Yojana (PMKTY) is a scheme that helps farmers purchase tractors. Under this scheme, farmers get a subsidy of up to 50% to purchase a tractor for their farm. This scheme also covers other benefits such as free repair and maintenance, insurance and fuel subsidies.

Kisan Credit Card (KCC) Sheme

The Kisan Credit Card (KCC) Scheme enables farmers to get crop loans. The loan limit is fixed depending on the crop sown and the area under cultivation. Farmers also get risk coverage with KCC in the event of accidental death or disability.

Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchai Yojana (PMKSY)

The Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchai Yojana (PMKSY) was launched in 2015. It offers end to end solutions in irrigation supply chain, water resources and farm level applications.

Farmers get financial support and assistance for soil management and water management. This means assistance of up to 55% in the creation of borewell, drip and sprinkler irrigation.

Interest Assistance Collateral

Farmers can get a crop loan up to Rs 3 lakh at a 7% interest rate. The interest rate becomes 4% due to 3% subvention incentives for the farmers who pay loan amounts on time.

Pradhan Mantri Kisan Maan Dhan Yojana

The Indian government launched the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Maan Dhan Yojana (PM-KMY) in 2019. It is a pension scheme that provides social security to small and marginal farmers when they have no means of livelihood.

This scheme gives a minimum of Rs 3000 as a monthly pension for farmers above the age of 60. Farmers need to contribute only 50-200 rupees per month depending on their entry age. The Central Government pays an equal amount which then is given to farmers as pension.

Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi

The PM-KISAN scheme is a new initiative to provide income support to all landholding farmers and their families. Farmers get Rs 6000 annually under this scheme.

Insurance Schemes for Farmers and Crops

The various insurance schemes launched by the Indian government are listed below.

Weather Based Crop Insurance Scheme (WBCIS)

Weather Based Crop Insurance Scheme (WBCIS) is an insurance scheme for farmers in India. The maximum premium payable by the farmers is only 1.5% for rabi season crops including food and oilseed crops.

This scheme offers insurance protection for notified crops, oilseeds and horticultural/commercial crops caused by hailstorms and cloud bursts.

Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY)

The Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY) is the flagship insurance scheme launched by the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare. The scheme was first launched during the Kharif season in 2016 and has been going on ever since.

Farmers get comprehensive crop insurance by paying 1.5% of the insurance premium that covers the costs of crop loss caused by natural disasters such as floods, cyclones, drought etc.

Also Read- Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana: Government Extends Deadline for Rabi Season Crop Insurance Applications

Unified Package Insurance Scheme (UPIS)

The main objective of the Unified Package Insurance Scheme (UPIS) is to provide financial protection and comprehensive risk coverage of crops, assets and life of farmers. It is a season based insurance scheme where crops will be covered throughout the rabi season.

In Conclusion, government schemes and assistance services for winter farming offer many benefits to farmers in India. Farmers can avail these benefits by visiting a Common Service Centre (CSC) or Agricultural Department. Keep visiting cmv360 for more information regarding farming and government schemes.