Maharashtra has emerged as the first state to qualify for the second installment of funds under the Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (RKVY) after achieving more than 75 per cent utilisation of the first tranche released by the Centre. The development was announced during a virtual review meeting chaired by Union Minister for Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan, which assessed the progress of RKVY fund utilisation and considered the release of the second installment for the state.
The meeting was attended by Maharashtra Minister of State for Agriculture Shri Dattatray Bharane, senior officials from the Department of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare, Government of India, and representatives from the Maharashtra government.
During the review, Shri Chouhan informed that the Centre had earlier sanctioned and released the first installment of ₹335 crore under RKVY to Maharashtra. Out of this amount, the state has utilised nearly ₹260 crore, crossing the mandatory 75 per cent expenditure threshold required for receiving the next installment. Following this achievement, the process for releasing the second installment of another ₹335 crore has been initiated.
Appreciating Maharashtra’s performance, the Union Minister congratulated the state government for ensuring timely utilisation of funds and effective implementation of agricultural development initiatives. He highlighted that Maharashtra’s achievement reflects its commitment towards strengthening the agriculture sector and ensuring that government schemes reach farmers efficiently.
Shri Chouhan stressed that expenditure of allocated funds must be accompanied by continuous monitoring and accountability. He said that public resources should be utilised strictly for the intended objectives and that states must maintain transparency while implementing agriculture-related programmes.
The Union Minister also praised Maharashtra’s progress in generating Farmer IDs, an important component of digital transformation in agriculture. He recalled the state government’s swift response during recent flood situations, when financial assistance of around ₹14,000 crore was directly transferred into the bank accounts of affected farmers within five days.
Focus on Accelerating Implementation of Agriculture Schemes
During the meeting, the progress of various components under RKVY was reviewed in detail. Shri Chouhan expressed satisfaction with Maharashtra’s performance under the Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture (MIDH) and appreciated the state’s efforts in promoting horticultural development.
However, he advised the state to speed up fund utilisation under several other important areas, including Digital Agriculture, Agriculture Extension, National Horticulture Mission (NHM), Seeds, Oilseeds and Agroforestry programmes. He also directed officials to ensure that pending liabilities under the Seeds component are cleared and recorded at the earliest to improve overall utilisation levels.
The Minister emphasised that timely implementation of schemes plays a crucial role in increasing farmers’ income, improving agricultural productivity and promoting sustainable farming practices.
Discussion on Crop Insurance and PMFBY Implementation
A separate discussion was also held on the implementation of the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY). Shri Chouhan highlighted the importance of accurate information submission by farmers while registering for crop insurance benefits.
He clarified that both Kisan Credit Card (KCC) holders and non-KCC farmers are eligible to participate in crop insurance schemes. However, farmers must avoid providing incorrect information regarding their KCC status while applying through alternative accounts.
The Union Minister explained that the declaration introduced on the crop insurance portal aims to improve transparency and ensure correct identification of beneficiaries. He added that the provision is not intended to deny benefits to eligible farmers but to ensure accurate records and better utilisation of government support.
Ensuring Transparency in Farmer Support Schemes
Highlighting the government’s commitment towards farmers’ welfare, Shri Chouhan said that substantial financial assistance is provided under the Kisan Credit Card scheme through interest subvention and incentives for timely repayment. Therefore, maintaining accurate information is essential for ensuring transparency and efficient management of public funds.
The Union Minister expressed confidence that Maharashtra would continue improving its performance in the remaining RKVY components and strengthen its contribution to agricultural growth. He said that effective implementation of centrally sponsored schemes, combined with proper monitoring and timely utilisation of funds, would help accelerate the development of the agriculture sector and benefit farmers across the state.
Author: Shivam
Shivam Dwivedi is a senior journalist with extensive experience in research-driven journalism, policy communication, and multi-platform storytelling. His areas of interest include international relations, defence, science & technology, education, urban development, agriculture, spirituality, and environmental sustainability. His work focuses on in-depth analysis, public discourse, and impactful narratives across governance and development sectors, with a strong commitment to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Contact: [email protected]
