Launched in 2014-15, the Rainfed Area Development (RAD) Scheme adopts an area-based approach to promote the sustainable development of rainfed areas in Madhya Pradesh. The scheme focuses on an Integrated Farming System (IFS) that combines traditional agriculture with allied activities such as horticulture, livestock, fishery, agro-forestry, apiculture, mushrooms, and vermi composting. This integration aims to maximize farm returns, mitigate the impacts of drought, flood, and other extreme weather events, and enhance overall agricultural productivity. The scheme leverages additional support from programs like MGNREGA, PMKSY-WDC, RKVY, NFSM, MIDH, SMAE, and NICRA, emphasizing climate-resilient practices such as soil testing, nutrient management, and indigenous seed use. Financial assistance of up to ₹30,000/- per family is provided for adopting integrated farming systems. Clusters of 100 hectares or more are encouraged to promote convergence, local participation, and model replication, with at least 25% of the farming system covered under On Farm Water Management.
Benefits
• Enhanced Productivity: Increased farm returns through integrated farming systems
• Risk Mitigation: Reduced impact of climatic stress (droughts, floods, heat stress) and crop failure
• Natural Resource Conservation: Improved soil fertility and effective rainwater management
• Capacity Building: Training in improved agronomic practices and climate change adaptation
• Support for Livestock: Extensive support for livestock systems (health care, breeding, fodder, etc.)
• Value Chain Development: Integrated support for pulses, millets, and oilseeds production, including infrastructure and processing
• Financial Assistance: Up to ₹30,000/- per family for adopting integrated farming systems
Eligibility
• All farmers in rainfed areas are eligible
• Beneficiaries must have land with sustainable rainfed potential
• Projects may be proposed on clusters of 100 hectares or more for enhanced convergence and local participation
• The scheme supports gap-filling resource conservation activities under converging programs
Application Process
Offline
• Step 01: Interested beneficiaries should contact the District/Block Agriculture Officer to check village/cluster eligibility.
• Step 02: If eligible, the proposal is forwarded to the State Level Sanctioning Committee (SLSC) chaired by the Chief Secretary.
• Step 03: Upon SLSC approval, the project is implemented by the state government or a designated Project Promoter/Implementing Agency.
Documents Required
• Aadhaar Number
• Land Documents
• Bank Details
• Photographs
• Additional documents may be required based on the intervention type (consult the relevant authority).
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: What type of assistance is provided?
A: Financial support for adopting integrated farming systems, including allied activities for increased productivity and risk mitigation.
Q: What is the maximum monetary assistance per family?
A: Up to ₹30,000/- per family.
Q: Does the financial assistance vary according to landholding?
A: The assistance is a fixed amount per family, regardless of land size, though clustering may be encouraged for larger areas.
Q: Who can avail benefits under this scheme?
A: All farmers in rainfed areas of Madhya Pradesh are eligible.
Q: What activities are eligible for assistance?
A: Integrated farming practices including crop cultivation, horticulture, livestock, fishery, agro-forestry, apiculture, and more.
Q: Can I avail benefits if I am already a beneficiary of PMKSY-WDC?
A: Yes, supplementary support for gap-filling resource conservation activities may be provided under converging programs.
Q: Is there any application fee?
A: No application fee is mentioned.
Q: What documents are required?
A: Primarily, an Aadhaar card, land documents, bank details, and photographs; additional documents may be needed as per specific interventions.