Maharashtra has become the first state in India to qualify for the second installment under the Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (RKVY) following a review of its fund utilisation. On July 27, Union Minister for Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare, Shivraj Singh Chouhan, led a virtual meeting to assess how effectively the state had utilized previously allocated funds. Key participants in the meeting included Maharashtra’s Minister of State for Agriculture, Dattatray Bharane, alongside senior officials from both the Government of India and the Government of Maharashtra.

During the meeting, Chouhan highlighted that the initial installment of ₹335 crore had been released to Maharashtra, of which the state had utilized approximately ₹260 crore. This figure exceeds the specified threshold of 75 per cent, allowing Maharashtra to be eligible for the second installment of ₹335 crore. The process to release these funds is reportedly underway.

Chouhan commended the Maharashtra government for demonstrating over 75 per cent utilisation of RKVY funds within the designated timeframe. This achievement has made it the first state to secure eligibility for further funding, reflecting Maharashtra’s commitment to effectively implementing agricultural development initiatives.

Emphasis on Ongoing Monitoring and Timely Expenditure

In his remarks, Chouhan underlined that the timely disbursement of funds must be coupled with continuous monitoring to ensure their appropriate use in achieving intended goals. The Minister also acknowledged Maharashtra’s efforts in generating Farmer ID numbers. He noted the state’s swift response to aid farmers affected by floods, during which ₹14,000 crore in compensation was directly transferred to farmers’ bank accounts within a span of five days.

Chouhan reviewed different components of the RKVY programme, recognising satisfactory advancements under the Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture (MIDH). However, he urged Maharashtra to increase expenditures related to Digital Agriculture, Agriculture Extension, the National Horticulture Mission (NHM), Seeds, Oilseeds, and Agroforestry. He recommended the prompt resolution of outstanding payments under the Seeds component to optimise fund utilisation.

In addition, a focused discussion took place on the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY). Chouhan emphasised the importance of farmers providing accurate information when applying for crop insurance. He clarified that all farmers, regardless of Kisan Credit Card (KCC) status, are eligible for the insurance benefits. However, he cautioned against concealing KCC information when applying through a different account.

Encouragement for Transparency in Agricultural Initiatives

The Union Minister also discussed the Government of India’s substantial financial backing under the Kisan Credit Card scheme. He pointed out the importance of correct disclosures to ensure transparency and proper utilisation of public resources. Chouhan expressed confidence that Maharashtra would further enhance its performance in implementing the remaining components of RKVY, thereby contributing positively to the agricultural sector’s growth.

Concluding the meeting, Chouhan reaffirmed his belief in Maharashtra’s capacity to activate more effective agricultural programmes. The state has set a good precedent for the efficient management and utilisation of funds, which could serve as a model for other states in the country.

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