Rural Workforce: From PM-KISAN to Agriculture Infrastructure Fund: Big benefits for farmers

Rural Workforce: According to the ‘NABARD All India Rural Financial Inclusion Survey’ conducted by the National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD), the number of households engaged in agriculture was 48 percent in the agricultural year 2016-17, which increased to 56.7 percent in 2021-22. Which shows that the number of workers in the agricultural sector has increased, due to which this sector plays an important role in the economy of India.

A large part of the rural workforce in India is employed in agriculture and related sectors. However, there is no correct calculation of this workforce centrally.

However, the Periodic Labour Force Survey conducted by the National Statistical Office (NSO) attached to the Ministry of Statistics and Program Implementation (MoSPI) assesses the status of workers engaged in agriculture and related sectors.

According to the ‘NABARD All India Rural Financial Inclusion Survey’ conducted by the National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD), the number of households engaged in agriculture was 48 percent in the agricultural year 2016-17, which increased to 56.7 percent in 2021-22. Which shows that the number of workers in the agricultural sector has increased, due to which this sector plays an important role in the economy of India.

Government schemes in agriculture sector

The Government of India is running many schemes to increase the income of farmers and strengthen the agriculture sector. The major schemes are as follows:

1. Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN)

This scheme has been launched to provide financial assistance to small and marginal farmers, in which eligible farmers are given assistance of Rs 6,000 every year in three installments.

2. Pradhan Mantri Kisan Mandhan Yojana (PM-KMY)

This scheme has been launched to provide financial security to farmers in old age, under which farmers get a pension of Rs 3,000 per month after the age of 60.

3. Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY)

The objective of this scheme is to protect farmers from losses caused by natural disasters. Under this, insurance cover is provided at a minimum premium.

4. Agriculture Infrastructure Fund (AIF)

Under this scheme, financial assistance is provided to farmers, farmer producer organizations (FPOs) and start-ups for the construction of agricultural infrastructure such as cold storage, warehouses and processing units.

5. Formation of 10,000 new farmer producer organizations (FPOs)

This scheme was launched to unite farmers and ensure their collective development. This will increase the market access of farmers and increase their income.

6. National Beekeeping and Honey Mission (NBHM)

This scheme works with the aim of promoting beekeeping and providing a means of additional income to farmers.

7. National Natural Farming Mission (NMNF)

This mission promotes organic and natural farming, reducing dependence on chemical fertilizers and maintaining soil quality.

8. Agriculture Fund for Start-ups and Rural Enterprises (Agri SURE)

Under this scheme, financial assistance and technical guidance is provided to agriculture-based start-ups in rural areas.

9. Agricultural Mechanization Sub-Mission (SMAM)

This scheme provides modern agricultural equipment to farmers on subsidy to promote agricultural mechanization.

10. Traditional Agriculture Development Scheme (PKVY)

This scheme is being run to encourage organic farming and connect farmers with it.

Skill Development Program for Rural Workforce

The government is also running Skill Training of Rural Youth (STRY). Its objective is to provide short term skill training (seven days duration) to rural youth and farmers in agriculture and allied sectors, so that their knowledge and skills can be improved and wage/self-employment can be promoted in rural areas.

The objective of this component is to provide short term skill based training programmes to rural youth including women farmers in agriculture based vocational areas to create a pool of skilled manpower.

Recently, the STRY programme has been subsumed under the Agricultural Technology Management Agency (ATMA) cafeteria.

Agri Infrastructure Fund and Strengthening Rural Agriculture

Agri Infrastructure Fund plays a vital role in the development of agro based industries in rural areas. It provides financial assistance and concessional loan for construction of cold storage, warehouse and processing units.

It aims to provide better storage facility to farmers, easy access to market and expansion in agricultural productivity.

Providing financial assistance and loan at low interest rate

The Agriculture Infrastructure Fund (Agri Infra Fund) helps to expand agriculture-based industries in villages. It provides financial assistance and loans at low interest rates for the development of infrastructure such as cold storage, warehouses and processing units.

This fund supports the adoption of modern agricultural practices and technology, increasing productivity and promoting diversification in various agriculture-based sectors.

Promoting entrepreneurship among farmers, FPOs and start-ups

It aims to transform rural agriculture, increase market access and improve the livelihoods of farmers. It encourages entrepreneurship among farmers, FPOs and start-ups, creating employment opportunities.

Minister of State for Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Ram Nath Thakur gave this information in a written reply to a question in the Rajya Sabha.

Expansion and efficiency of agricultural workforce

The schemes and programs being run by the Government of India are proving to be helpful in strengthening the agriculture sector and increasing the income of farmers.

Expansion of the agricultural workforce and increasing its efficiency will help in the overall development of the rural economy.