Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (RKVY): Agriculture Development Scheme

The Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (RKVY), now called RKVY-RAFTAAR (Remunerative Approaches for Agriculture and Allied sector Rejuvenation), is a flagship Central government scheme for holistic agriculture development. It provides flexible funding to states for agriculture and allied sectors, and also supports agri-entrepreneurship and innovation.

What is RKVY?

RKVY was launched in 2007 as a Centrally Sponsored Scheme to incentivise states to increase public investment in agriculture. The scheme was restructured as RKVY-RAFTAAR to focus on:

• Making farming remunerative
• Strengthening agri-infrastructure
• Supporting agri-startups and innovation
• Promoting value addition and post-harvest management
• Encouraging private investment in agriculture

The Centre-State funding ratio is 60:40 (90:10 for NE and hill states).

Key Components

1. Regular RKVY (Infrastructure & Production)

• Farm mechanisation
• Soil health management
• Water management and micro-irrigation
• Crop diversification
• Organic farming
• Storage and market infrastructure

2. RKVY-RAFTAAR (Innovation & Agri-preneurship)

• Agri-Business Incubation (ABI): Support for agri-startups
• Innovation grants: Up to Rs 25 lakh for individual agri-innovators
• RKVY-RAFTAAR Agri-Startup Fund: Funding up to Rs 5 crore for startups

Benefits

Who is Eligible?

For Farmers

• All farmers in India benefit indirectly through state-level projects
• No individual application needed — states implement schemes using RKVY funds

For Agri-Startups (RKVY-RAFTAAR)

1. Must be an agri-startup or aspiring agri-entrepreneur
2. Startup should be in agriculture or allied sectors
3. Must be willing to undergo incubation at an RKVY-approved centre
4. Should have a viable business plan
5. Indian citizen or entity registered in India

For Innovators

1. Must have an innovative idea in agriculture sector
2. Can be individual farmer, student, or researcher
3. Prototype or proof of concept preferred

How to Apply

For Agri-Startups

1. Visit the RKVY portal at rkvy.nic.in
2. Navigate to RKVY-RAFTAAR or Agri-Startup section
3. Register and create an account
4. Submit your business plan and startup details
5. If shortlisted, you'll be invited for incubation at an approved centre
6. Post incubation, apply for funding of up to Rs 5 crore

For State-Level Schemes

• RKVY funds are routed through state agriculture departments
• Farmers benefit from state-specific programmes funded by RKVY
• Contact your District Agriculture Officer for local RKVY programmes
• Check your state agriculture department website for current schemes

RKVY-RAFTAAR Agri-Business Incubation Centres

RKVY supports incubation centres across India at institutions like:

• IITs and IIMs
• Agricultural Universities
• ICAR institutes
• State Agricultural Universities (SAUs)
• Private incubators

These centres provide mentoring, facilities, and seed funding to agri-startups.

Important Tips

1. For farmers — Contact your District Agriculture Officer for RKVY-funded schemes in your area
2. For startups — Apply to RKVY-RAFTAAR incubation; it provides funding plus mentoring
3. Innovation grants — If you have an agricultural innovation, apply for up to Rs 25 lakh
4. State schemes vary — Each state uses RKVY funds differently; check your state's agriculture portal
5. Combine with other schemes — RKVY can complement PM-KISAN, crop insurance, and soil health card benefits

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is RKVY-RAFTAAR?

It is the restructured version of RKVY focused on making farming remunerative through infrastructure, innovation, and agri-entrepreneurship.

2. Can individual farmers apply directly?

RKVY is primarily a state-level scheme. Individual farmers benefit through state-implemented programmes. For agri-startup funding, individuals can apply directly.

3. How much funding can agri-startups get?

Up to Rs 5 crore through the RKVY-RAFTAAR agri-startup fund.

4. What is the Centre-State funding ratio?

60:40 for general states and 90:10 for northeastern and hill states.

5. Is there any fee for applying?

No application fee for agri-startup or innovation grants under RKVY-RAFTAAR.

6. What sectors are covered?

Agriculture, horticulture, animal husbandry, dairy, fisheries, food processing, and allied sectors.

7. How can I find RKVY schemes in my state?

Visit your state agriculture department website or contact the District Agriculture Officer.

Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only. CitizenNest is not affiliated with the Government of India. Visit rkvy.nic.in for official details.