Krishi Sanjeevani Vans

The Krishi Sanjeevani Vans is an initiative under the Central Government’s Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (RKVY) and was implemented by the Karnataka Government on 7 January 2021 by the then Karnataka Chief Minister BS Yediyurappa. A total of 40 vans were launched to bring lab facilities to the agricultural fields. Improvement of agricultural yield by bringing water, soil and pest control facilities to the farmers of the state is the broad goal of this facility.

This article will provide information about Krishi Sanjeevani Vans in the context of the Civil Services Exam.

Objectives of Krishi Sanjeevani Vans

The initiative, flagged off by the Chief Minister in Bengaluru has the following objectives:

1. To bring testing facilities to the agricultural fields.
2. To test the soil and water as well as suggest pest control remedies to the farmers of the state.
3. To improve the agricultural yield through limiting the pests and suggesting methods for improving the agricultural output.
4. To suggest remedies to the farmers by testing the soil, water and pests in the agricultural lands.
5. To suggest the right crops to be grown, by studying the soil, water and pests affecting the crops.
6. To give first-hand support to farmers in choosing the right farming techniques by bringing scientific test facilities to their fields.
7. To advise the farmers on the fertility of the soil, pest control, weeds and the suitable crops to be grown under existing conditions.
8. To bring agriculture department personnel to the fields and thereby give farmers a chance to gain more knowledge about cultivation by interacting with such experts.

About Krishi Sanjeevani Vans

• The Karnataka Government is taking this initiative under the centre’s Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (RKVY) initiative.
• The RKVY was launched in 2007 and envisaged to achieve 4% annual agricultural growth.
• It was rechristened as Remunerative Approaches for Agriculture and Allied Sector Rejuvenation (RAFTAAR) with a budgetary allocation of Rs. 15,722 crores.
• This was a remedial measure for the slow growth in agricultural yields and allied areas.
• The impetus for the Krishi Sanjeevani vans initiative came from the Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana that has been in effect since 2007.
• This scheme allows greater autonomy and improved flexibility for states to plan and execute programmes that incentivise investments in agriculture and allied sectors.
• The scheme has decentralised agriculture planning by creating State Agriculture Plan and District Agriculture Plan.
• It takes into account the local needs by ensuring the availability of the right technology and natural resources based on agro-climatic conditions.
• This initiative offers a much-needed reprieve to farmers as it takes the agriculture laboratory to the fields.
• As a consequence of this scheme, farmers will be made aware of the various farming techniques through interaction with experts from the Department of Agriculture.
• The Chief Minister, while speaking at the launch of the Krishi Sanjeevani vans, said that one van will be made available at every Farmers Assistance Center in the district.

Benefits of Krishi Sanjeevani Vans

• Before the rollout of the Krishi Sanjeevani vans, the farmers had difficulty in assessing the right crop for their soil.
• These vans are equipped with facilities to test the soil right in the fields. They not only bring the lab to the agricultural lands but also allow for interaction with experts from the agriculture department.
• Farmers will now receive the right advice on which crop to plant in which season and which crops are suitable for their soil.
• The entire exercise helps in mitigating the risks involved in farming. The facility aims to encourage agri-entrepreneurship and innovation in farming techniques.
• If widely successful, this initiative will allow greater flexibility for states in planning yield according to the local needs. The move will encourage greater productivity and add to the value chain.
• It has boosted innovations in farming and farmers are now able to increase their incomes through integrated farming.
• It also aims at empowering the youth to turn agri-entrepreneurs as a prior background in agriculture will be less necessary for those who want to consider agriculture as a means of sustenance.
• By decentralising the value chain, the states will now be in a better position to choose suitable crops to be cultivated.

What issues does it address?

• This move by the Yediyurappa government will give greater power to the farmers while also tackling issues such as soil and water conservation.
• It also includes agricultural institutions and other agricultural cooperation and programmes.
• It also covers crop cultivation and horticulture, as well as plantation and agricultural marketing.
• It reduces the burden of farmers in taking important decisions related to soil and crops.

Conclusion

• Krishi Sanjeevani vans are a perfect example of Centre-State cooperation to increase the agricultural produce in the country.
• This move is likely to be replicated in other states as well.
• It is still in its early stage and we will have to wait to see the extent of the impact of this scheme in mitigating the risks involved in agriculture.

Candidates can visit the linked article and get the detailed list of government schemes in India, important for general awareness and the current affairs section of various competitive exams.

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