08-October-2024-Editorial

RATIONALISATION OF CENTRALLY SPONSORED SCHEMES AND LAUNCH OF NATIONAL MISSION ON EDIBLE OILS-OILSEEDS: KEY HIGHLIGHTS

The Union Cabinet has recently made significant changes to streamline agricultural initiatives by rationalising 18 centrally sponsored schemes.

Among the most notable steps is the introduction of the National Mission on Edible Oils–Oilseeds (NMEO-Oilseeds) aimed at boosting domestic production of oilseeds and reducing dependency on imports.

The rationalisation and new mission align with India’s broader vision of agricultural sustainability and self-reliance.

Key Facts Regarding the Rationalisation of Schemes

Categorisation of Centrally Sponsored Schemes (CSS)

The Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare has grouped all centrally sponsored schemes into two overarching programmes:

• Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (PM-RKVY): Focuses on promoting sustainable agricultural practices.
• Krishonnati Yojana (KY): Aims to address food security, self-sufficiency, and improving agricultural productivity.

Key Features of the Schemes

Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (PM-RKVY):

• Supports sustainable farming practices across India.
• Includes initiatives like soil health management, agroforestry, rainfed area development, crop diversification, and agricultural mechanisation, including crop residue management.
• Schemes covered under PM-RKVY: Soil Health Management, Rainfed Area Development, Agroforestry, Per Drop More Crop, Agricultural Mechanisation, and Crop Diversification.

Krishonnati Yojana (KY):

• Focuses on food security and agricultural self-sufficiency.
• States will be provided the opportunity to prepare a comprehensive strategy for their agricultural sector.

Objective of the Rationalisation

Efficiency and Integration:

• The rationalisation aims to reduce duplication and ensure a more integrated approach to agriculture-related programmes.

Focus on Emerging Agricultural Challenges:

• Addresses issues like climate-resilient agriculture, nutrition security, sustainable farming practices, value chain development, and private sector involvement.

State-Specific Planning:

• States are given more autonomy to develop strategic plans based on their unique agricultural needs.

Streamlined Approval Process:

• The process for approving Annual Action Plans (AAPs) of states will now be more streamlined, with approvals happening for the overall plan rather than scheme-by-scheme.

About National Mission on Edible Oils-Oilseeds (NMEO-Oilseeds)

Overview of NMEO-Oilseeds

• Launched by the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, the NMEO-Oilseeds aims to enhance oilseed production in India to reduce the country’s reliance on edible oil imports.
• This mission is part of the broader Atmanirbhar Bharat (self-reliant India) initiative, targeting both primary and secondary oilseed production.

Mission Duration and Targets

• Duration: The mission will run for seven years, from 2024-25 to 2030-31.
• Objective: NMEO-Oilseeds, along with the NMEO-OP (Oil Palm), aims to increase domestic edible oil production to 25.45 million tonnes by 2030-31, fulfilling 72% of India’s projected edible oil needs.
• The mission plans to expand oilseed cultivation by 40 lakh hectares by promoting intercropping and using fallow lands.

Key Focus Areas

Primary Oilseed Crops:

• The mission focuses on increasing production of major oilseed crops like mustard, groundnut, soybean, sunflower, and sesame.
• Target: Raise oilseed production from 39 million tonnes (2022-23) to 69.7 million tonnes by 2030-31.

Secondary Oil Sources:

• Improve collection and extraction from secondary sources such as cottonseed, rice bran, and Tree-Borne Oils (TBOs).

Technological Advancements:

• Use genome editing and other cutting-edge technologies to develop high-yield, disease-resistant seeds.

SATHI Portal:

• Introduces a 5-year rolling seed plan through the Seed Authentication, Traceability & Holistic Inventory (SATHI) Portal to ensure states have efficient seed production partnerships with FPOs, cooperatives, and seed corporations.

Value Chain Clusters and Post-Harvest Support

Value Chain Clusters:

• More than 600 clusters covering over 10 lakh hectares annually will be developed across 347 districts.
• Farmers will receive access to high-quality seeds, training on Good Agricultural Practices (GAP), and advisory services for weather and pest management.

Post-Harvest Support:

• Assistance will be provided to FPOs and cooperatives to establish or upgrade post-harvest processing units to enhance oil recovery from cottonseed, rice bran, and other sources.

Measures to Promote Oilseed Production

• NMEO-Oil Palm (NMEO-OP): Launched in 2021, this scheme aims to expand oil palm cultivation and increase crude palm oil production.
• MSP for Oilseeds: The government has raised the Minimum Support Price (MSP) for key oilseed crops to ensure fair prices for farmers.
• Import Duty Protection: A 20% import duty on edible oils has been imposed to protect domestic producers from cheap imports.

Conclusion

The rationalisation of centrally sponsored schemes and the NMEO-Oilseeds initiative are aimed at boosting agricultural efficiency and enhancing oilseed production to reduce India’s dependence on imports. By leveraging modern technology, expanding oilseed cultivation, and streamlining processes, these initiatives align with India’s goal of achieving self-sufficiency in edible oils and ensuring agricultural sustainability.