In 2023-24, the scheme was restructured as an Agroforestry component under Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (RKVY), focusing on Quality Planting Material (QPM). Financial assistance is provided to beneficiaries for establishing nurseries and raising saplings. The scheme promotes setting up new small, medium, and hi-tech nurseries for producing QPM.
• Establishment of New Nurseries:
– Hi-tech (2 ha): Up to ₹50 lakhs; 100% assistance for government agencies on government land and 50% for private agencies/individual entrepreneurs.
– Big (1 ha): Up to ₹60 lakhs; 100% assistance for government agencies on government land and 50% for private agencies/individual entrepreneurs.
– Small (0.5 ha): Up to ₹10 lakhs; 100% assistance for government agencies on government land and 50% for private agencies/individual entrepreneurs.
• Raising Saplings in Existing Nurseries: Up to ₹5 lakhs per nursery; 100% assistance for government and 50% back-ended credit-linked assistance for private partners.
• Tissue Culture Units:
– Strengthening Existing: Up to ₹20 lakhs; 100% for government and 50% back-ended credit-linked for private.
– Establishment of New: Up to ₹200 lakhs; 100% for government and 50% back-ended credit-linked for private.
Additional provisions are as per RKVY Guidelines.
Objectives
• Encourage and expand tree plantation integrated with crops and livestock to improve productivity, employment, and income generation for rural households.
• Ensure availability of quality planting material such as seeds, seedlings, clones, hybrids, and improved varieties.
• Popularise diverse Agroforestry practices/models suited to different agro-ecological regions.
• Create a database, information, and knowledge support system in agroforestry.
• Provide Research & Development (R&D), extension, and capacity building support to the agroforestry sector.
• Identify and catalyze linkages with traditional and emerging markets for timber and non-timber products (e.g., bio-fuels, matchwood, plywood, silk, fiber, lac, beauty, handicrafts, construction).
• Promote value addition and processing by establishing collection and post-harvest facilities.
• Utilize modern technology for monitoring and evaluating the impact of agroforestry.
Benefits
• Climate Change Adaptation: Mitigates microclimate impacts, conserves natural resources, and creates additional livelihood opportunities.
• Enhanced Productivity: Improves soil fertility, soil conservation, nutrient cycling, and microclimate conditions.
• Carbon Sequestration: Increases carbon capture on farmlands and boosts ecosystem services.
• Sustainable QPM Availability: Ensures continuous supply of quality planting material through new nurseries.
• Technology Transfer: Facilitates the adoption of advanced agroforestry practices through R&D and extension support.
Eligibility
All benefits are provided through the state-specific Annual Action Plan under RKVY.
• Eligibility and specific interventions vary as per state guidelines and priorities.
Application Process
Offline – As per RKVY Guidelines
• Step 01: Submit project proposals to the State Government; proposals are examined for alignment with state priorities and the RKVY framework.
• Step 02: Suitable proposals are forwarded to the State Level Sanctioning Committee (SLSC), chaired by the Chief Secretary, for consideration.
• Step 03: Upon SLSC approval, the project is implemented after an agreement is signed between the State Government and the Project Promoter.
Documents Required
• Aadhaar Number
• Land Documents
• Bank Details
• Photographs
• Additional documents may be required based on the specific intervention and state; consult the relevant authorities for details.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: What is the core purpose of the scheme?
A: To promote the establishment of nurseries and raise saplings for producing Quality Planting Material under the RKVY framework.
Q: How will Quality Planting Material be made available?
A: Through setting up new nurseries and raising saplings as per prescribed cost norms and assistance modalities.
Q: How will training/capacity building be ensured?
A: The scheme includes provisions for R&D, extension services, and capacity building support to transfer technology and knowledge in agroforestry.
Q: Which agency is the nodal agency for the scheme?
A: The scheme is implemented under the RKVY Guidelines by the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare.
Q: Is there any maximum age limit for applicants?
A: The scheme is not applicant-specific; benefits are allocated through the state-specific Annual Action Plan.
Q: Does the scheme mandate the plantation of specific seeds?
A: No, it focuses on producing a range of quality planting materials including seeds, seedlings, clones, hybrids, and improved varieties.
Q: Who is eligible for the scheme?
A: Eligibility is determined through the state-specific Annual Action Plan under RKVY; details vary by state priority.
Q: Is there any application fee?
A: There is no application fee mentioned in the guidelines.
Q: What documents are typically required for application?
A: Aadhaar number, land documents, bank details, and photographs are among the required documents.