MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE AND FARMERS WELFARE

1. Pradhan Mantri Kisan Maandhan Yojana (PM-KMY)

1. Nodal Ministry & Department

• • Ministry: Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare.
  • Department: Department of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare.
  • Partner: Life Insurance Corporation of India (LIC) is the Pension Fund Manager.

2. Context

• • Launch: September 2019.
  • Why: To provide a social security net for Small and Marginal Farmers (SMFs) in their old age, as they have minimal savings and no institutional pension.

3. Objectives

• • To provide a fixed monthly pension to vulnerable farmers.
  • To ensure a dignified life for farmers after they reach the age of 60.

4. Key Provisions

• • Pension Amount: A fixed monthly pension of ₹3,000 after attaining the age of 60.
  • Contribution: The beneficiary contributes between ₹55 to ₹200 per month (depending on entry age).
  • Matching Contribution: The Central Government makes an equal matching contribution to the Pension Fund.
  • Family Pension: If the subscriber dies, the spouse is entitled to receive 50% of the pension (₹1,500) as a family pension, provided the spouse is not already a beneficiary.

5. Type of Scheme

• • Central Sector Scheme.
  • Nature: Voluntary and contributory pension scheme.

6. Target Beneficiaries

• • Small and Marginal Farmers (SMFs) who own cultivable land up to 2 hectares (as per land records of the State/UT).

7. Eligibility Criteria

• • Age: Between 18 to 40 years.
  • Exclusions:
    • Farmers covered under any other statutory social security schemes (like NPS, ESIC, EPFO).
    • Farmers who have opted for PM-Shram Yogi Maandhan or PM-Laghu Vyapari Maandhan.
    • High-income status individuals (Institutional landholders, former/present Ministers, Doctors, Engineers, etc.).

8. Budgetary Allocation & Performance (Updated March 2026)

• • Performance: Over 23 lakh farmers have enrolled in the scheme as of early 2026.
  • 2026 Update: The enrolment process has been integrated with the Common Service Centres (CSCs) and the PM-Kisan Portal for seamless auto-debit of contributions if the farmer opts for it.

UPSC Prelims Traps Trap 1: The Age Gap. The question may state the entry age is up to 50 or 60. False. Entry is strictly between 18 and 40 years. Trap 2: Beneficiary Scope. It might say “All farmers are eligible.” False. Only Small and Marginal Farmers (up to 2 hectares) are eligible. Trap 3: Pension Amount. It might claim the pension is ₹5,000. False. It is a fixed ₹3,000 per month. Trap 4: Contribution. A trap statement could say “The farmer pays 100% of the premium.” False. It is a 50:50 matching contribution by the Center. Trap 5: Family Pension. It might say “Children are entitled to the pension after the death of both parents.” False. Only the spouse is eligible for the 50% family pension; children are not.

2. Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (PM-RKVY)

1. Nodal Ministry & Department

• • Ministry: Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare.
  • Department: Department of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare.

2. Context

• • Launch: Originally launched in 2007; restructured as PM-RKVY in October 2024.
  • Why: To simplify the complex landscape of various CSS and provide flexibility to States to choose components based on their local agro-climatic needs (the “Cafeteria” model).

3. Objectives

• • To promote sustainable agriculture through increased public investment.
  • To provide States the autonomy to design agricultural plans suitable for their specific geography and technology.
  • To achieve a 4% annual growth rate in the agriculture and allied sectors.

4. Type of Scheme

• • Centrally Sponsored Scheme (CSS).
  • Funding Pattern: 60:40 (Center:State) for General States; 90:10 for NE and Himalayan States; 100% for UTs.

5. Target Beneficiaries

• • All landholding farmers, Agri-entrepreneurs, and Agri-startups.
  • Infrastructure projects managed by FPOs, PACS, and State Agriculture Departments.

6. Eligibility Criteria

• • States must prepare a Comprehensive District Agriculture Plan (CDAP) and a State Agriculture Plan (SAP) to access funds.
  • Beneficiaries must be registered on the Kisan Digital Stack to receive DBT-based incentives under various sub-components.

7. Key Features/Provisions

• • Umbrella Nature: Merges several erstwhile schemes like Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana (PKVY), Per Drop More Crop (PDMC), Soil Health Management, and Rainfed Area Development.
  • State Flexibility: States can re-allocate funds from one component to another based on local priorities (e.g., a state can shift more funds to Micro-Irrigation if facing a drought).
  • RKVY-RAFTAAR Component: Continues to focus on Agri-entrepreneurship and Innovations through business incubators.
  • Accelerator Fund: A dedicated fund for Agri-startups to bring innovative tech (like drones or IoT) to rural areas.

8. Budgetary Allocation & Performance (Updated March 2026)

• • Allocation: The Union Budget 2026-27 provided a combined outlay of over ₹1,01,000 crore for the two umbrella schemes (PM-RKVY and KY) for the 16th Finance Commission cycle.
  • Performance: Over 1,400 startups have been supported as of early 2026. The shift to a “Cafeteria” model has led to a 20% faster fund utilization by States like Maharashtra and Uttar Pradesh.

UPSC Prelims Traps Trap 1: Funding Origin. The question may state it is a 100% Central Sector Scheme. False. It is a Centrally Sponsored Scheme with a 60:40 sharing ratio for general states. Trap 2: Scope of Authority. A statement might say the Central Government decides the sub-projects for each state. False. States have the flexibility to choose from a “Cafeteria” of components based on their CDAP (Comprehensive District Agriculture Plan). Trap 3: Merged Identities. It might claim that Soil Health Card or Micro Irrigation are independent standalone schemes. False. They have now been rationalized as components/sub-schemes under the PM-RKVY umbrella. Trap 4: Target Sector. A trap could say it only covers “Crop Production.” False. It covers Agriculture and Allied Sectors, including livestock, fisheries, and agro-forestry.

3. Krishonnati Yojana (KY)

1. Nodal Ministry & Department

• • Ministry: Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare.
  • Department: Department of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare.

2. Context

• • Rationalization: In October 2024, the Cabinet merged several food-security-focused Centrally Sponsored Schemes into this single umbrella.
  • Status: It is the primary vehicle for India’s “Atmanirbhar Bharat” (Self-Reliant India) mission in the agriculture sector for the 2025–2030 cycle.

3. Objectives

• • To achieve self-sufficiency in pulses, oilseeds, and cereals.
  • To focus on the “Production and Productivity” side of the farm economy.
  • To secure the nation’s food and nutritional requirements through a Mission Mode approach.

4. Type of Scheme

• • Centrally Sponsored Scheme (CSS).
  • Funding Pattern: Generally 60:40 (Center:State); 90:10 for NE and Himalayan States.

5. Target Beneficiaries

• • Farmers producing essential food crops.
  • Small and Marginal Farmers (SMFs) in cluster-based production zones.

6. Eligibility Criteria

• • Farmers participating in identified clusters for pulses, oilseeds, and cereals.
  • States must adhere to the Strategic Document on Agriculture approved under the KY framework to release funds.

7. Key Features/Provisions

• • Mission Mode Components: Includes high-priority missions like:
    • National Mission for Edible Oil-Oil Palm (NMEO-OP).
    • National Mission for Edible Oil-Oil Seeds (NMEO-OS).
    • National Food Security Mission (NFSM): Focuses on Rice, Wheat, Pulses, and Coarse Cereals.
    • National Mission on Hybrid Seeds (New 2026): Focuses on developing climate-resilient and pest-resistant hybrid varieties.
  • SATHI Portal: Integrated digital platform for Seed Authentication, Traceability, and Holistic Inventory to ensure quality seed supply.
  • Custom Hiring Centers (CHCs): Promotion of hi-tech equipment hubs to make farm mechanization accessible to small farmers.

8. Budgetary Allocation & Performance (Updated March 2026)

• • Allocation: Budget 2026-27 allocated ₹1,32,561 crore to the Agriculture Ministry, with a specific allocation of ₹44,246 crore for the Krishonnati Yojana umbrella.
  • Performance: As of March 2026, over 8.48 crore Farmer IDs have been generated to facilitate digital crop surveys and input distribution under this scheme.

UPSC Prelims Traps Trap 1: The RKVY vs. KY Confusion. UPSC may swap their objectives. Trap: “Krishonnati Yojana focuses on sustainable agriculture flexibility.” False. KY is about Food Security & Production (Mission Mode), while PM-RKVY is about Sustainability & Flexibility (Cafeteria Approach). Trap 2: Sub-scheme Identification. A statement might say “Micro-irrigation is a component of Krishonnati Yojana.” False. Micro-irrigation (Per Drop More Crop) is under PM-RKVY. KY focuses on crop-specific missions (Seeds, Edible Oil, Rice, Wheat). Trap 3: Seed Subsidy. A trap statement could claim “Seeds are provided free of cost to all farmers.” False. Financial assistance is generally provided as a subsidy (e.g., 50% cost) or through minikits for High-Yielding Varieties (HYVs). Trap 4: Fertilizer Integration. “KY includes the fertilizer subsidy component.” False. Fertilizer subsidy is a separate Central Sector expenditure handled by the Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers, though KY coordinates the requirement assessment.

4. Agriculture Infrastructure Fund (AIF)

1. Nodal Ministry & Department

• • Ministry: Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare.
  • Department: Department of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare.
  • Implementing Agency: Managed via a dedicated online MIS platform (agriinfra.dac.gov.in) with monitoring committees at National, State, and District levels.

2. Context

• • Launch: July 2020 (under the Atmanirbhar Bharat Package).
  • Rationale: To bridge the massive gap in post-harvest storage and processing infrastructure which leads to high wastage (est. 15-20% in grains and much higher in perishables).
  • 2026 Update: The Union Budget 2026-27 integrated AIF into the Bharat-VISTAAR AI ecosystem, allowing farmers to track infrastructure project sanctions and disbursements via voice-first multilingual bots.

3. Objectives

• • To provide medium to long-term debt financing for investment in viable projects for Post-Harvest Management (PHM) infrastructure.
  • To create Community Farming Assets (like sensors, drones, and AI-based irrigation).
  • To reduce post-harvest losses and improve the agricultural value chain.

4. Type of Scheme

• • Central Sector Scheme (100% financial support for interest subvention and credit guarantee from the Central Government).

5. Target Beneficiaries

• • Primary Agricultural Credit Societies (PACS), Marketing Cooperative Societies, FPOs, SHGs, and Joint Liability Groups (JLGs).
  • Individual Farmers, Agri-entrepreneurs, and Startups.
  • Central/State agencies or local bodies-sponsored Public-Private Partnership (PPP) projects.

6. Eligibility Criteria

• • Borrowers must propose “viable projects” in PHM or community assets.
  • Multiple projects can be submitted by a single entity (e.g., a PACS), but for private entities, the limit for interest subvention is restricted to 25 projects across different locations.
  • Tenure: The scheme is operational from 2020-21 to 2032-33 (Extended period).

7. Key Features/Provisions

• • Financing Facility: A total of ₹1 Lakh Crore to be disbursed by banks/financial institutions as loans.
  • Interest Subvention: 3% per annum on loans up to ₹2 Crore. This subvention is available for a maximum period of 7 years.
  • Credit Guarantee: Fee-free credit guarantee coverage for loans up to ₹2 Crore under the CGTMSE scheme.
  • Sectors Covered: Supply chain infrastructure (warehouses, silos, cold chains), primary processing units (grading, sorting), and smart agriculture (drones, IoT, sensors).

8. Budgetary Allocation & Performance (Updated March 2026)

• • Cumulative Sanctions: As of March 2026, the fund has crossed the milestone of ₹85,000 Crore in sanctioned projects.
  • Investment Mobilization: AIF has successfully mobilized a total investment of over ₹1.3 Lakh Crore in the rural economy.
  • Budget 2026-27: Specific focus on “Climate-Smart Infrastructure” with an additional sub-target for green-energy-powered cold storages.

UPSC Prelims Traps Trap 1: The “Interest Subvention” Cap. A statement might say interest subvention is available for the entire duration of the loan. False. It is capped at a maximum of 7 years. Trap 2: Loan Limit. UPSC may state that the maximum loan under AIF is ₹2 Crore. False. You can take a larger loan, but the 3% interest subvention and credit guarantee apply only up to ₹2 Crore. Trap 3: Beneficiary Exclusivity. The trap might suggest that only “Farmers and FPOs” are eligible. False. Private entrepreneurs, startups, and even State Agencies involved in PPP projects are eligible. Trap 4: Type of Infrastructure. A statement could claim AIF supports “Crop Production expenses” (like seeds/fertilizers). False. It strictly supports Post-Harvest Management and Community Farming Assets; it is not for crop production costs. Trap 5: Implementing Agency. Beware of statements saying “NABARD provides the loans.” False. Loans are provided by Scheduled Commercial Banks, RRBs, and Cooperative Banks. NABARD and the Ministry only monitor and provide the interest subvention.

5. Pradhan Mantri Annadata Aay Sanrakshan Abhiyan (PM-AASHA)

1. Nodal Ministry & Department

• • Ministry: Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare.
  • Department: Department of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare.
  • Nodal Agencies: NAFED (National Agricultural Cooperative Marketing Federation of India) and NCCF (National Cooperative Consumers’ Federation of India).

2. Context

• • Launch: September 2018.
  • Why: To ensure that farmers growing Pulses, Oilseeds, and Copra actually receive the Minimum Support Price (MSP) promised by the government, as physical procurement was often limited to Wheat and Paddy.
  • 2026 Update: The government has converged the Price Support Scheme (PSS) and the Price Stabilization Fund (PSF) into PM-AASHA to streamline procurement for both farmers and consumers.

3. Objectives

• • To provide an assured price (MSP) to farmers for Pulses, Oilseeds, and Copra.
  • To stabilize the market prices of essential agricultural commodities to protect consumers from inflation.
  • To achieve self-sufficiency in pulses (Atmanirbhar in Pulses) by 2028-29.

4. Type of Scheme

• • Central Sector Scheme (100% funded by the Central Government).

5. Target Beneficiaries

• • All farmers growing notified Pulses, Oilseeds, and Copra.
  • Consumers (indirectly) through the Price Stabilization Fund component which manages buffer stocks.

6. Eligibility Criteria

• • Farmers must be pre-registered on the official portal.
  • The produce must conform to the Fair Average Quality (FAQ) standards prescribed by the government.
  • Implementation is done at the request of State Governments that agree to exempt the produce from Mandi Tax.

7. Key Features/Provisions PM-AASHA is an umbrella scheme with three distinct sub-components:

• • Price Support Scheme (PSS): Physical procurement of pulses, oilseeds, and copra by Central Nodal Agencies (NAFED/FCI).
    • Procurement Ceiling: Normally 25% of production, but 100% for Tur, Urad, and Masur (extended till 2028-29).
  • Price Deficiency Payment Scheme (PDPS): Only for Oilseeds. No physical procurement happens. The government pays the farmer the difference between the MSP and the actual market price via DBT.
  • Private Procurement & Stockist Scheme (PPSS): A pilot where private players are empanelled to procure oilseeds at MSP in selected districts.
  • New Integration (2025-26): Inclusion of the Market Intervention Scheme (MIS) for perishable crops (Tomato, Onion, Potato – TOP) to protect against distress sales during bumper harvests.

8. Budgetary Allocation & Performance (Updated March 2026)

• • Allocation: The Union Budget 2026-27 allocated ₹7,200 crore to PM-AASHA, a 3.7% increase over the previous year.
  • Performance: Between 2024 and 2026, the government has guaranteed 100% procurement for three major pulses (Tur, Urad, Masur) to incentivize domestic production.
  • Outlay: Total financial provision of ₹35,000 crore for the current cycle (up to 2025-26/26-27).

UPSC Prelims Traps Trap 1: The “All Crops” Trap. A statement might say PM-AASHA covers all MSP crops. False. Its core focus is strictly on Pulses, Oilseeds, and Copra. (Wheat and Paddy have their own separate procurement systems via FCI). Trap 2: PDPS Scope. A trap might state that the Price Deficiency Payment Scheme (PDPS) applies to all pulses. False. PDPS is specifically designed for Oilseeds. Trap 3: Physical Procurement. The question may claim that the government physically buys all crops under all three components. False. Under PDPS, there is no physical procurement; only the price difference is paid to the farmer. Trap 4: Funding Pattern. UPSC may describe it as a “Centrally Sponsored Scheme” because states help in implementation. False. It is a Central Sector Scheme (100% Center). Trap 5: Mandi Tax. A statement might suggest states can continue to charge Mandi tax on PM-AASHA procurement. False. States must exempt the produce from Mandi Tax to implement the scheme.

 6. National Mission on Natural Farming (NMNF)

1. Nodal Ministry & Department

• • Ministry: Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare.
  • Department: Department of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare.

2. Context

• • Launch: Approved as a standalone Centrally Sponsored Scheme in late 2024 (previously a sub-scheme of PKVY).
  • Why: To reduce the high cost of chemical inputs and improve soil health, targeting 1 crore farmers over the next few years.

3. Objectives

• • To promote chemical-free, climate-resilient agriculture.
  • To reduce the cost of cultivation and improve farmer income through “Zero-Purchase” of inputs.
  • To create 10,000 Bio-input Resource Centres (BRCs) across India.

4. Type of Scheme

• • Centrally Sponsored Scheme (CSS) (Funding 60:40 for general states; 90:10 for NE/Himalayan).

5. Target Beneficiaries

• • Individual farmers, SHGs, and FPOs willing to transition to natural farming.

6. Eligibility Criteria

• • Farmers must dedicate at least 0.5 to 1 hectare of land for natural farming.
  • Must commit to the use of non-chemical inputs (Jeevamrit, Bijamrit, etc.).

7. Key Features/Provisions

• • Financial Assistance: ₹15,000 per hectare for 3 years to cover the transition period.
  • BRCs: 10,000 Bio-input Resource Centres to provide expertise and raw materials for making on-farm fertilizers.
  • Certification: Integrated with the Participatory Guarantee System (PGS-India) for easy labeling and marketing.

8. Budgetary Allocation & Performance (Updated March 2026)

• • Allocation: Union Budget 2026-27 provided an increased outlay to support the saturation of natural farming in the Ganga Basin (5 km corridor).
  • Performance: Over 40 lakh farmers have been registered for training by March 2026.

UPSC Prelims Traps Trap 1: Funding Status. It is often confused as a Central Sector scheme. False. It is a Centrally Sponsored Scheme (CSS). Trap 2: Natural vs. Organic. A statement might say it allows “bio-fertilizers” from the market. False. Natural farming relies strictly on on-farm inputs (cow dung/urine) rather than purchased organic fertilizers. Trap 3: Target Area. It might claim to be only for the North-East. False. It is a Pan-India scheme with specific focus on the Ganga and Brahmaputra basins.

7. Namo Drone Didi Scheme

1. Nodal Ministry & Department

• • Ministry: Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare.
  • Coordination: Jointly implemented with Department of Fertilizers and Ministry of Rural Development.

2. Context

• • Launch: Announced by the PM in 2023-24; reached peak scaling in Budget 2025-26.
  • Why: To modernize agriculture via drones while empowering women through Lakhpati Didi initiatives.

3. Objectives

• • To provide drones to 15,000 selected Women SHGs for providing rental services to farmers.
  • To reduce labor costs and ensure precision spraying of fertilizers (Nano Urea/DAP).

4. Type of Scheme

• • Central Sector Scheme (100% Central funding for the subsidy and training).

5. Target Beneficiaries

• • Selected Women Self Help Groups (SHGs) under the DAY-NRLM mission.

6. Eligibility Criteria

• • SHGs must be active under the National Rural Livelihood Mission.
  • Selected members (Didi) must have a minimum qualification (10th pass) for drone pilot training.

7. Key Features/Provisions

• • Financial Support: 80% subsidy on the cost of the drone (up to ₹8 Lakh) is provided to the SHG.
  • Training: A 15-day comprehensive package (5 days for pilot training, 10 days for agri-application/technician).
  • Cluster Approach: Drones are provided in clusters where liquid fertilizers like Nano Urea are promoted.

8. Budgetary Allocation & Performance (Updated March 2026)

• • Allocation: ₹1,261 crore (Total Outlay).
  • Performance: As of March 2026, over 11,000 drones have been successfully deployed, creating a new service economy in rural India.

UPSC Prelims Traps Trap 1: Ownership. A statement might say the drone belongs to the individual woman. False. The drone is provided to the SHG (Group), not an individual. Trap 2: Subsidy Percentage. A trap might claim 100% subsidy. False. It is 80% (up to ₹8 Lakh), the remaining 20% is managed via loans/SHG funds. Trap 3: Target Groups. It might claim to cover all rural women. False. It is strictly targeted at SHGs under the NRLM framework.

8. Crop Science for Food and Nutritional Security

1. Nodal Ministry & Department

• • Ministry: Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare.
  • Department: Department of Agricultural Research and Education (DARE).
  • Nodal Agency: ICAR (Indian Council of Agricultural Research).

2. Context

• • Rationalization: In October 2024, the Cabinet merged several research initiatives into this single umbrella Central Sector scheme.
  • Why: To align research with the challenges of Climate Change and the 2026 Nutritional Security targets.

3. Objectives

• • To develop Climate-Resilient and Bio-fortified crop varieties.
  • To ensure self-sufficiency in pulses and oilseeds (Atmanirbharta).
  • To digitize agricultural research data via the Kisan Digital Stack.

4. Type of Scheme

• • Central Sector Scheme (100% Center-funded research mission).

5. Target Beneficiaries

• • National Agricultural Research System (NARS) and ultimately the Indian farmers through the release of new seed varieties.

6. Eligibility Criteria

• • Implementing agencies are ICAR institutes, State Agriculture Universities (SAUs), and KVKs.

7. Key Features/Provisions

• • High-Yielding Varieties (HYV): Focus on the release of 109 climate-resilient varieties announced in 2024.
  • Bio-fortification: Developing crops rich in Iron, Zinc, and Vitamin A to combat “Hidden Hunger.”
  • Genomics: Use of CRISPR-Cas9 and advanced biotechnology for drought and pest resistance.
  • SATHI Portal: Integrated for seed traceability to ensure that research-grade seeds reach the farmer.

8. Budgetary Allocation & Performance (Updated 2026)

• • Budget 2026-27: Increased funding for “Oilseed and Pulse Missions” under the research umbrella.
  • Performance: Success in reducing the “Varietal Replacement Rate” (replacing old seeds with new ones faster).

UPSC Prelims Traps Trap 1: Implementing Body. A trap might say “Ministry of Science and Technology.” False. This is strictly under the Agriculture Ministry (DARE/ICAR). Trap 2: Funding Type. Often confused with CSS. False. It is a Central Sector scheme as it involves 100% Central R&D funding. Trap 3: Goal. A statement might say it only focuses on Rice/Wheat. False. A major pivot in 2025-26 is toward Pulses, Oilseeds, and Millets (Shree Anna).

 New schemes & programs

1. Prime Minister Dhan-Dhaanya Krishi Yojana (PM-DDKY)

1. Nodal Ministry & Department

• • Ministry: Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare (DA&FW) in partnership with NITI Aayog.

2. Context/Rationale

• • Launch: October 11, 2025.
  • 2026 Update: Motivated by the “Aspirational Districts” success, Phase-1 is currently targeting 1.7 crore farmers in 100 districts with low productivity and poor credit flow.

3. Objectives & Goals

• • To enhance agricultural productivity through convergence of existing schemes (PM-KISAN, PMKSY, etc.).
  • To augment post-harvest storage at the Panchayat and Block level.

4. Key Features & Provisions

• • Convergence Model: Integrates irrigation, credit, and storage in a single district action plan.
  • Credit Weightage: Priority Sector Lending (PSL) weightage assigned to these districts is 125% to incentivize banks.

5. Type of Scheme: Central Sector Scheme (CS) with State partnership.

2. National Mission on High Yielding Seeds

1. Nodal Ministry & Department

• • Ministry: Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare.
  • Partner: Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR).

2. Context/Rationale

• • 2026 Update: As of early 2026, ICAR has released over 152 bio-fortified varieties and 537 climate-resilient varieties under this mission to combat extreme weather.

3. Objectives & Goals

• • To provide seeds that are Climate-Resilient (heat/flood tolerant) and Bio-fortified (iron/zinc enriched).

4. Key Provisions

• • SATHI Portal: All seeds under this mission are tracked via the Seed Authentication, Traceability & Holistic Inventory portal to ensure quality.
  • Minikit Distribution: Large-scale distribution of free seed minikits to Small and Marginal Farmers.

5. Type of Scheme: Central Sector Scheme (CS).

3. Mission for Aatmanirbharta in Pulses

1. Nodal Ministry & Department

• • Ministry: Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare.
  • Procuring Agencies: NAFED and NCCF.

2. Context/Rationale

• • Launch: Approved March 18, 2026.
  • 2026 Status: A 6-year roadmap (2025-26 to 2030-31) with an outlay of ₹11,440 crore.

3. Objectives & Goals

• • To achieve Total Self-Sufficiency in pulses by 2030-31, specifically targeting Tur, Urad, and Masoor.

4. Key Provisions

• • Price Assurance: 100% procurement at MSP for farmers who register on the e-Samridhi portal.
  • Infrastructure: Setting up 1,000 Mini Dal Mills at the cluster level for local value addition.

5. Type of Scheme: Centrally Sponsored Scheme (CSS).

4. National Gene Bank for Crops Germplasm

1. Nodal Ministry & Department

• • Ministry: Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare.
  • Implementing Agency: National Bureau of Plant Genetic Resources (NBPGR).

2. Context/Rationale

• • 2026 Update: The government is currently operationalizing the 2nd National Gene Bank (announced in 2025).

3. Objectives & Goals

• • To preserve 1 million germplasm lines, making it one of the largest and most high-tech facilities globally.

4. Key Provisions

• • Indigenous Focus: Dedicated focus on preserving “Landraces” (local traditional varieties) that are naturally resistant to pests and heat.
  • Cryo-preservation: Utilizing liquid nitrogen technology to store seeds for centuries.

5. Type of Scheme: Central Sector Scheme (CS).

5. Bharat-VISTAAR

(Virtually Integrated System to Access Agricultural Resources)

1. Nodal Ministry & Department

• • Ministry: Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare.

2. Context/Rationale

• • Launch: Phase-I launched on February 17, 2026.
  • Budget: Total allocation of ₹150 crore.

3. Objectives & Goals

• • To provide an AI-powered, multilingual Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) for personalized agricultural advisory.

4. Key Features & Provisions

• • Voice-First AI: Farmers can query the system in 22 regional languages via a voice-bot or a dedicated helpline (155261).
  • Scheme Integration: One-stop access to 10 major schemes including PM-KISAN, PMFBY, and Soil Health Cards.

5. Type of Scheme: Central Sector Scheme (CS).

UPSC Prelims Traps Trap 1 (Dhan-Dhaanya): “It targets all districts in India.” False. It targets 100 specific low-productivity districts. Trap 2 (Pulses): “India is already self-sufficient in pulses.” False. India is near self-sufficiency but still imports Tur, Urad, and Masoor (the focus of the 2026 mission). Trap 3 (VISTAAR): “Bharat-VISTAAR is only for smartphone users.” False. It includes IVRS (Voice-based) access for non-smartphone users.

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