Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY) was launched on 18th February 2016 with the objective to support sustainable production in the agriculture sector. The scheme aims to provide compensation to farmers suffering crop damage or loss arising out of unforeseen events, stabilize farmer’s income, encourage them to adopt innovative and modern agricultural practices, ensure the flow of credit to the agriculture sector, and protect farmers from production risks.

Scheme Overview

• Scheme Name: Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY)
• Scheme Modified: The scheme was implemented on 18th February 2016 and was modified on 13th January 2020.
• Scheme Fund Allocated: Rs. 15,500 crores for the financial year 2022-23.
• Type of Government Scheme: Central Government Scheme.
• Sponsored / Sector Scheme: Sponsored by the central government.
• Website to apply: http://agricoop.gov.in/
• Helpline No.: 1800-11-5526.

Features of Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana

Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana provides financial support to farmers in case of damage to their crops due to natural calamities, pests and diseases. The scheme covers all food crops, oilseeds and annual commercial or horticultural crops. The following are the features of the scheme:

• The scheme is voluntary for non-loanee farmers, and it is compulsory for all farmers availing of Seasonal Agricultural Operations (SAO) loans from financial institutions.
• The scheme provides comprehensive risk insurance for standing crops from sowing to harvesting, including drought, dry spells, flood, inundation, pests and diseases, landslides, natural fire, lightning, storm, hailstorm, cyclone, typhoons, tempests, hurricanes, tornados.
• The scheme provides coverage for prevented sowing, localized calamities, and post-harvest losses. It protects farmers from financial losses when they cannot plant their crops due to uncontrollable factors. Prevented sowing coverage is available if purchased before the planting deadline established by the insurer. If the prevented sowing conditions are covered, the farmer will be reimbursed for the costs of preparing the land and purchasing inputs. However, the farmer will not receive compensation for the expected yield or revenue that would have been generated from the crop since it was not planted. 
• The scheme also includes special efforts to ensure the maximum coverage of SC/ST/women farmers under the scheme.

The following table provides a brief summary of the scheme’s features:

Benefits of the scheme

• The scheme aims to support sustainable production in the agriculture sector by providing compensation to farmers suffering crop loss or damage caused by unforeseen events.
• The scheme stabilizes the income of farmers to ensure their continuance in farming.
• The scheme encourages farmers to adopt innovative and modern agricultural practices.
• The scheme ensures the credit flow to the agriculture sector, attributing to food security, diversification of crop and enhancing the growth and competitiveness of the agriculture sector.

Drawback 

The scheme has faced criticism for not being useful to all farmers, especially those who belong to certain segments. The non-loanee farmers are eligible to get the coverage, but they are required to submit necessary documentary evidence of land records prevailing in the state (Records of Right (RoR), Land Possession Certificate (LPC), etc.) and applicable contract/agreement details (in case of sharecroppers/tenant farmers). It may not be possible for some farmers to fulfill these requirements.

How to Apply?     

Here are the step-by-step instructions for the application process for PMFBY:

• Step 1: Visit the official website of the Department of Agriculture, Cooperation and Farmers Welfare at http://agricoop.gov.in/ 
• Step 2: Look for the “Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana” tab on the homepage and click on it.
• Step 3: Read the information provided on the page carefully to understand the scheme’s benefits, coverage, and eligibility criteria.
• Step 4: Click on the “Apply Online” link on the page to proceed with the application process.
• Step 5: Fill out the application form with all the necessary details, such as your name, contact details, bank account information, and crop details.
• Step 6: Upload the required documents, such as land records and applicable contract/agreement details.
• Step 7: Review all the information provided and ensure that it is correct before submitting the application.
• Step 8: After submitting the application, you will receive a confirmation message or email.
• Step 9: Track the application status using the application reference number provided to you.
• Step 10: Once the application is approved, you will receive an insurance policy document.

Note: Non-loanee farmers are not mandated to apply for the scheme, and it is voluntary. However, farmers who avail of Seasonal Agricultural Operations (SAO) loans from financial institutions are obligated to participate in the scheme. Additionally, the scheme is committed to ensuring maximum coverage of SC/ST/women farmers

Documents Required 

Here is a list of documents required for Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY):

1. Necessary documentary evidence of land records prevailing in the State (Records of Right (RoR), Land Possession Certificate (LPC), etc.)
2. Applicable contract/agreement details (in case of sharecroppers/tenant farmers)
3. Loan documents provided by the financial institution (for farmers who avail of Seasonal Agricultural Operations (SAO) loans)
4. Identity proof (Aadhaar card, Voter ID, etc.)
5. Bank account details (for direct benefit transfer)
6. Duly filled application form
7. Premium payment receipt (if applicable)
8. Any other document(s) required by the insurance company or the State Government

Farmers who avail of Seasonal Agricultural Operations (SAO) loans from financial institutions are obligated to participate in the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY). To apply for the scheme, these farmers are required to submit the necessary documentary evidence of land records prevailing in the State (Records of Right (RoR), Land Possession Certificate (LPC), etc.), applicable contract/agreement details (in case of sharecroppers/tenant farmers), loan documents provided by the financial institution, and any other documents required by the insurance company or the State Government. Farmers need to check with their financial institutions for any additional documents that may be required.

Conclusion  

Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY) is an excellent scheme that aims to insure the uncertainty in the agriculture sector by providing compensation to farmers suffering crop loss/damage arising out of unforeseen events. The scheme also encourages farmers to adopt innovative and modern agricultural practices and ensures the flow of credit to the agriculture sector. However, the scheme has some drawbacks and special efforts must be made to ensure maximum coverage of farmers under the scheme.

Krishi Udan Scheme is a central government scheme initiated to provide seamless, cost-effective, time-bound air transportation and associated logistics for all agri-produce. The scheme is sponsored by the Ministry of Civil Aviation and implemented by AAI Cargo Logistics and Allied Services Company Ltd. The objective of the scheme is to increase the share of air transport in the modal mix for transportation of Agri-produce and improve value realization. Krishi Udan 2.0, proposed in 2021, has allocated Rs. 1000 crores for the scheme, with additional funds to be allocated.

Scheme Overview

The Krishi Udan Scheme offers subsidies to airlines provided by Central, State and Airport authorities. The scheme is applicable to all agricultural producers, especially from Northeast, hilly and tribal regions of India. Participating airports include 58 airports across India listed under the scheme. The scheme covers perishable agricultural products such as milk, meat, fish, fruits, vegetables, flowers and processed products. The scheme offers a waiver of airport charges such as parking charges and terminal navigation landing charges on select airports if the agricultural cargo is over 50% of the total chargeable weight carried.

• Scheme Modified: Krishi Udan 2.0, proposed in 2021
• Scheme Fund Allocated: Rs. 1000 crores for Krishi Udan Scheme, additional funds to be allocated for Krishi Udan 2.0
• Type of Government Scheme: Central Government of India
• Sponsored / Sector Scheme: Sponsored by the Ministry of Civil Aviation and implemented by AAI Cargo Logistics and Allied Services Company Ltd.
• Website to apply: www.aai.aero
• Helpline No.: 18002660743

Features

Latest News about the scheme

The scheme will be implemented at 53 airports across the country, with a focus on the northeast and tribal regions. The Union aviation ministry plans to pilot the scheme for six months, with amendments based on the experience of stakeholders. The Krishi Udan scheme has been formulated with support from AAI Cargo Logistics and Allied Services Company Limited, a subsidiary of the Airports Authority of India and Invest India, India’s national investment promotion agency. The scheme offers a full waiver of charges such as landing and parking for Indian freighters at selected airports.

Union aviation minister J M Scindia said that the Krishi Udan scheme would open up new avenues of growth for the agriculture sector by removing barriers in the supply chain, logistics and transportation of farm produce. The convergence between the agriculture and aviation sectors is possible due to the evolutionary possible use of biofuel for aircraft in the future, the use of drones in the agriculture sector and greater integration and value realization of agricultural products through schemes like Krishi UDAN.

The Krishi Udan scheme will create airside transit and trans-shipment infrastructure at eight airports, including Bagdogra, Guwahati, Leh, Srinagar, Nagpur, Nashik, Ranchi and Raipur. Seven focus routes and the agro products to be flown from there have been identified, including Amritsar-Dubai for baby corn, Darbhanga-rest of India for litchis, Sikkim-rest of India for organic produce, Chennai, Visakhapatnam and Kolkata – far east for seafood, Agartala-Delhi and Dubai for pineapple, Dibrugarh to Delhi and Dubai for mandarin and oranges and Guwahati-Hong Kong for pulses, fruits and vegetables. The Krishi Udan scheme is expected to benefit farmers, freight forwarders and airlines.

Benefits

The Krishi Udan Scheme offers the following benefits:

• Ensures seamless, affordable and timely air transportation for all the  perishable agricultural produce
• Facilitates the transportation of agri-produce, including horticulture, fishery, livestock, and processed products, from one place to another through special airplanes
• Increases the share of air in the modal mix for transportation of Agri-produce
• Improves value realization through better integration and optimization of Agri-harvesting and air transportation
• Contributes to Agri-value chain sustainability and resilience under different and dynamic conditions

Drawback

One of the limitations of the Krishi Udan Scheme is that it may not effectively cater to the needs of small farmers who might not have sufficient agricultural produce to take advantage of the scheme.

The Krishi Udan Scheme primarily focuses on the transportation of fruits, vegetables, flowers and other perishable agricultural products. However, there are several other types of crops that are not covered under the scheme, such as:

• Cereals – wheat, rice, maize, barley and oats.
• Pulses – lentils, chickpeas, beans and peas.
• Oilseeds – soybean, sunflower, groundnut and sesame.
• Spices – cumin, coriander, turmeric and cardamom.
• Sugarcane
• Cotton 
• Tea and coffee 

These crops are an integral part of India’s agricultural sector and are grown in large quantities across the country. 

How to Apply?

The procedure to apply for the Krishi Udan Scheme is as follows:

• Visit the AAI Cargo Logistics and Allied Services Company Ltd website – www.aai.aero
• Register and login to the website
• Fill in the required details in the application form
• Upload the necessary documents
• Submit the application

Documents Required

The following documents are required to apply for the Krishi Udan Scheme:

• Aadhar Card
• PAN Card
• Bank Account Details
• Certificate of Registration of the Company/Firm
• FSSAI License
• Agricultural Produce Marketing Committee (APMC) Certificate
• Transport Vehicle Registration Number

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Krishi Udan Scheme is a central government-sponsored initiative that aims to provide seamless, cost-effective and time-bound air transportation and associated logistics for all agri-produce. The scheme covers perishable agricultural products, including milk, meat, fish, fruits, vegetables, flowers and processed products. The Krishi Udan Scheme offers subsidies to airlines provided by Central, State and Airport authorities. The scheme has been modified in its second phase, Krishi Udan 2.0, with Rs. 1000 crores allocated for it, with additional funds to be allocated. The scheme has identified seven focus routes and products to be flown from there. While the scheme offers several benefits, including increased value realization and improved integration, it may not cater to the needs of small farmers and other crops not covered under the scheme. Overall, the Krishi Udan Scheme has the potential to contribute to the sustainability and resilience of the Agri-value chain.

GOBARdhan or Galvanizing Organic Bio-Agro Resources Dhan was launched in 2018 by the Ministry of Drinking Water and Sanitation, which is now known as the Jal Shakti Ministry. GOBARdhan scheme focuses on supporting rural households and farmers to undertake management of cattle waste in a scientific and hygienic manner. The main aim of the scheme is to promote sustainable management of cattle waste and generate biogas and organic fertilizer from it. 

Scheme Overview

• Scheme Name: GOBARdhan (Galvanizing Organic Bio-Agro Resources Dhan) 
• Scheme Implemented: 2018 
• Scheme Fund Allocated: 10,000 crores 
• Type of Government Scheme: Centrally Sponsored Scheme 
• Sector / Sponsored Scheme: Department of Drinking Water and Sanitation 
• Website to apply: https://sbm.gov.in/  
• Helpline No: 011-24362129 

Features of GOBARdhan Scheme

Project Models of GOBARdhan Scheme

Gobardhan scheme can be implemented through various project models depending on the local conditions, availability of resources and needs of the community. The following are the 4 major project models of Gobardhan scheme, 

• Individual Household: Households which have three or more cattles can adopt this model. Swachh Bharat Mission (Gramin) will provide technical and financial assistance to households for constructing biogas plants. Biogas and Slurry generated from the plant can be used for cooking and manure by households and any surplus can be sold in the market. 
• Community: Under this model, biogas plant can be constructed for a minimum number of households (5 to 10). The biogas produced can be used for cooking and lighting, and organic fertilizers can be used for agriculture. The project can be managed by Gram Panchayat / Self-help groups. 

• Clusters: This model involves setting up a biogas plant in a cluster of villages, where the organic waste from all the villages is collected and processed in the biogas plant. The biogas and organic fertilizers produced can be shared among the villages and surplus can be sold in the market.  
• Commercial CBG (Compressed Biogas): In this model, raw biogas produced is compressed and can be used as vehicular fuel or sold to industries. Slurry generated is converted into bio-fertilizer and can be sold to farmers. Compressed biogas plants can be operated by Entrepreneurs / Cooperative Societies / Gaushalas etc. 

Latest News about GOBARdhan Scheme

Recently, Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced the establishment of 500 new ‘Waste to Wealth’ plants under the scheme for promoting circular economy with total investment of 10,000 crore.  

• Out of these 500 plants, 200 plants for compressed biogas (75 plants in rural plants) 
• 300 – community or cluster-based plants. 

Benefits of GOBARdhan Scheme

• The scheme provides a source of income to farmers by helping them to convert cattle waste into organic fertilizers, biogas and other by-products. This can help farmers generate additional income by reducing their input costs. 
• The use of organic fertilizers helps improve soil health, which in turn leads to better crop yields and reduces the need for chemical fertilizers. This can be beneficial for farmers in the long run as it could reduce their dependence on expensive inputs. 
• By converting cattle waste into organic fertilizers and bio-gas, the scheme helps to reduce environmental pollution and promote sustainable farming practices.  

Challenges

• The success of the scheme depends on the active participation of farmers and villagers. Due to lack of awareness and incentives, many people are not interested in participating in the scheme.  
• The scheme requires setting up of bio-gas plants and storage facilities which is a significant challenge in many rural areas. 

Documents Required

• Aadhar Card 
• Residence Certificate 
• Passport size photograph 

How to apply?

Step 1: Visit the official website at  http://sbm.gov.in/Gobardhan/ 

Step 2: On the Homepage, Click on the ‘Registration’ icon 

Step 3: Application form will be displayed in the screen 

Step 4: Enter all the required details in application form (Mention personal details, address details, registration details like user id, password, mobile number, OTP etc.) 

Step 5: After completing the application form, Submit it online. 

Step 6: After successful registration, applicant farmers can login into their account by using username and password. 

Conclusion

The GOBARdhan scheme is expected to not only benefit the rural population by providing a source of renewable energy and organic fertilizer, but it will also help in reducing pollution caused by open burning of cattle dung and promoting sustainable agricultural practices. 

Sericulture refers to the cultivation of silk by rearing silkworms, and it is an important agro-based industry that generates income and employment for millions of people. Silk Samagra: Integrated Scheme for Development of Silk Industry – 2 was launched by Ministry of Textiles under Government of India in 2021. The silk samagra 2 scheme provides a comprehensive package of support to sericulture farmers in India. The main aim of the scheme is to enhance the livelihoods of silk farmers and promote the growth and development of the silk industry in the country. 

Scheme Overview

• Scheme Name: Silk Samagra: Integrated Scheme for Development of Silk Industry – 2 
• Scheme Implemented: 2021 
• Scheme Fund Allocated: Rs. 4679.86 crore 
• Type of Government Scheme: Central Sector Scheme 
• Sponsored / Sector Scheme: Ministry of Textiles 
• Website to apply: NA 
• Helpline No: 080-26282612 

Features of Silk Samagra – 2

Latest News about Silk Samagra-2 Scheme

• Recently, Silk Samagra-2 Scheme has achieved its success for increasing the export of raw silk from India to other countries. 

Benefits of Silk Samagra-2 Scheme

• The scheme provides financial assistance to farmers and silk producers to set up sericulture units, purchase equipment and other expenses related to sericulture. 

• Silk Samagra-2 scheme provides training to farmers and silk producers on modern techniques of sericulture, which can help them to increase their productivity and improve the quality of silk. 
• The scheme facilitates market linkages for farmers, which can help them to get better prices for their silk. The scheme also provides certification for silk products which helps to promote the export of silk and increase its value in the global market. 

Challenges of Silk Samagra-2 Scheme

• Many farmers and silk producers are not aware of the benefits of the scheme. 
• Climate change and natural disasters such as floods and droughts can have a significant impact on sericulture, affecting the production and quality of silk and causing losses for farmers. 

Documents Required

• Aadhar Card 
• PAN Card 
• Bank Account Details 
• Electricity bill  
• Other relevant business documents 

How to apply?

• To apply for this scheme, Visit the Department of Sericulture in your District 
• While visiting the office, take all the required documents with you  
• Get the application form for Silk Samagra-2 scheme from the respective authority  
• Fill in all the asked information carefully in the application form and attach the necessary documents mentioned in the form 
• After filling all the required information, Submit your application form 

Conclusion

Overall, Silk Samagra-2 schemes promotes the production and development of silk industry in India, with a focus on improving the livelihood of silk farmers and weavers. 

Dairy farming is a major source of livelihood for many people in rural areas. India is the largest milk producer which contributes 24 percent of global milk production in the year 2021-22 and ranks 1st position in the world. Dairy Processing and Infrastructure Development Fund (DIDF) is a government initiative aimed at supporting the dairy sector in India. The primary objective of this scheme is to increase the value of milk produced by farmers by promoting the establishment of more efficient and modern processing units that can produce high-quality dairy products. 

Scheme Overview

• Scheme Name: Dairy Processing and Infrastructure Development Fund (DIDF) 
• Scheme Implemented: 2017-18 
• Scheme Fund Allocated: 11,184 Crores 
• Type of Government Scheme: Central Sector Scheme 
• Sector / Sponsored Scheme: Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying 
• Website to apply: NA 
• Helpline No: NA 

Key Features of Dairy Processing and Infrastructure Development Fund

Dairy Processing and Infrastructure Development Fund (DIDF) scheme is managed by National Dairy Development Board (NDDB), a statutory body established by the Government of India to promote, finance and support dairy development across the country 

Objectives of Dairy Processing and Infrastructure Development Fund

• Modernization of milk processing plants and machinery 
• Creation of additional infrastructure for processing more milk 
• Bringing more efficiency in dairy processing plants and controlled dairy institutions 

Benefits of DIDF

• Dairy Processing and Infrastructure Development Fund provides financial assistance to dairy cooperatives and private dairy processors to upgrade their processing facilities. This can help modernize the dairy industry in India, leading to improved productivity and quality of dairy products 
• DIDF scheme increases the milk processing capacity of the country that leads to higher milk production. Therefore, the scheme can provide additional income to the farmers and boost the rural economy 
• This scheme also helps to create employment opportunities in the dairy sector by supporting the development of new processing facilities 

Challenges of Dairy Processing and Infrastructure Development Fund

• Developing infrastructure for dairy processing in rural areas can be challenging due to lack of access to electricity and other basic infrastructure. This can make it difficult to set up and run modern processing facilities in these areas. 

Documents Required

Documents required for applying for the Dairy Processing and Infrastructure Development Fund (DIDF) may vary depending on the type of applicant (dairy cooperative or private dairy processor). Some of the common documents required for DIDF, 

• Project proposal 
• Business Plan 
• Project cost estimate 
• Proof of ownership  
• Other relevant business documents 

How to apply? 

If you are really interested in applying for funding from the DIDF, follow the below mentioned steps, 

1. Understand the eligibility criteria before applying 
2. End borrower meeting the eligibility criteria must prepare a Detailed Project Report (DPR) 
3. Submit the DPR to Regional office of National Dairy Development Board 
4. Once you submit your application, it will be reviewed by the DIDF board. 
5. If your application is approved, you will receive the funding as per the terms and conditions of the DIDF scheme 

Conclusion

Therefore, the Dairy Processing and Infrastructure Development Fund is an important initiative for promoting the growth and development of the dairy sector in India, which is a significant contributor to the country’s agricultural economy. 

Production-based sectors plays a major role in India’s economy. The Production Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme for the Food Processing Sector is a government initiative launched in March 2021, which aims to boost the growth of the food processing industry in India. The main objective of the scheme is to attract investment in the food processing sector, create employment opportunities for off-farm jobs, ensure remunerative prices of farm produce, increase farmers income and promote the export of processed food products.  

Scheme Overview

• Scheme Name: Production Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme for Food Processing Sector 
• Scheme Implemented: 2021 
• Scheme Fund Allocated: Rs. 10,900 crores 
• Type of Government Scheme: Central Sector Scheme 
• Sector / Sponsored Scheme: Ministry of Food Processing Industries 
• Website to Apply: https://www.mofpi.gov.in/ 
• Helpline No: NA 

Features of Production Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme for Food Processing Sector

Components of Production Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme for Food Processing Sector

First component: This component encourages the manufacturing of following four major food product segments 

1. Ready to Cook / Ready to Eat (RTC/RTE) which includes millet-based products 
2. Processed vegetables and fruits
3. Mozzarella cheese 
4. Marine Product 

This component also covers organic products including free range eggs, meat, poultry and egg Products. 

Second Component: This component mainly focuses on Branding and Marketing abroad. 

Benefits of Product Linked Incentive Scheme for Food Processing sector

• The scheme is expected to increase the demand for agricultural produce, as food processing companies will require raw materials for their products. This increased demand can lead to better prices for farmers and higher income. 
• The PLI scheme encourages companies to invest in research and development and product innovation, which could lead to the development of new value-added products from agricultural produce. This could create new markets for farmers and provide them with opportunities to diversify their crops. 
• PLI scheme also aims to enhance the competitiveness of the food processing industry in India, which could lead to better market access for Indian food products in domestic and international markets. This could create more opportunities for farmers to sell their produce and increase their income. 

Challenges

• The government’s allocation for the PLI scheme may not be sufficient to meet the demands of the food processing sector. This could lead to a situation where only a few companies receive benefits from the scheme, leaving smaller players out of the loop. 

Documents Required

• Company Registration Certificate 
• Applicants CIN number 
• Company’s Profile 
• Annual Reports 
• GSTN Certificate etc. 

How to apply?

Step 1: Go to the official website of Ministry of Food Processing Industry (MOFPI) at https://www.mofpi.gov.in/ 

Step 2: On the Homepage, click on the schemes tab and select Production Linked Incentive Scheme for Food Processing Sector option 

Step 3: Now visit the PLISFPI portal and click on ‘Register’ 

Step 4: Registration form will be displayed in the screen 

Step 5: Enter all the mandatory details and click on register option 

Step 6: On Successful registration, username and password will be sent to the official mail ID. 

Step 7: Choose login option from the homepage and log on to the portal 

Step 8: Fill the application form carefully and upload all the required documents  

Step 9: Submit the application form 

Conclusion

The PLI scheme for the food processing sector is a positive step towards achieving the government’s goal of doubling farmers income and making India self-reliant in the food processing sector. 

The restructured National Bamboo Mission (NBM) was launched as a Centrally Sponsored Scheme (CSS) in 2018-19 with the core objective of developing the complete value chain of the bamboo sector to linking growers with consumers, starting from plantation to marketing, micro, small and medium enterprises, skilled manpower and brand building initiative in a cluster approach mode. The mission aims to increase the total area under bamboo plantations in non-forest government and private lands to increase farm income and contribute towards resilience to climate change. 

Scheme Overview:

Scheme Name: National Bamboo Mission

Scheme Modified: Restructured in 2018-19

Scheme Fund Allocated: The scheme has a budget allocation of Rs. 1290 crore for the period from 2020-21 to 2022-23

Type of Government Scheme: Central government

Sponsored / Sector Scheme: Centrally Sponsored Scheme

Website to apply: http://nbm.nic.in/

Helpline No.: 011-23382384

Features of National Bamboo Mission:

Latest News about the scheme:

The Union Agriculture Minister has approved the formation of an Advisory Group to streamline the development of the Bamboo sector, which includes representation from various stakeholders. The group will contribute to the sector’s development by including synergy between all sectors of the bamboo value chain. The redesigned National Bamboo Mission is primarily concerned with developing the entire value chain of the bamboo business. It connects producers and consumers from planting material to the plantation, as well as the development of infrastructure for collecting, aggregation, processing, marketing, skilled labor, micro, small, and medium enterprises, and brand building activities. The adaptability of bamboo as an architectural and structural element has been established and the destiny of this green resource is described as the ‘green steel’. The National Bamboo Mission is working to provide the benefits of this burgeoning sector to the nation’s farmers and human resources. The Advisory Group, comprised of subject experts and other stakeholders, will advise the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare on propagation, bamboo plantation and intercropping, primary processing, product development, value addition, market infrastructure and linkages, processing machineries, skill development and other issues and technologies. 

Benefits of National Bamboo Mission:

• Increase in the area under bamboo plantation in non-forest government and private lands
• Supplement income for farmers
• Contribute towards resilience to climate change by promoting a sustainable and eco-friendly resource
• Connect farmers to markets, providing them with a ready market for the bamboo grown
• Upgrade the skills of traditional bamboo craftsmen, enabling them to improve their livelihoods
• Increase the supply of appropriate raw materials to the domestic industry, contributing to the growth of the sector
• Provide ecological, economic and livelihood security to the people, especially those in rural areas who depend on bamboo as a primary resource.

Drawback of the Scheme:

The National Bamboo Mission does not have any significant drawbacks. However, certain farmers who do not have access to non-forest government or private lands may not be able to benefit from the scheme.

How to Apply?

The National Bamboo Mission is implemented through the State Nodal Agencies (SNAs). Interested individuals can contact the respective SNA in their state to apply for the scheme.

Conclusion:

The National Bamboo Mission is a comprehensive scheme that aims to promote the growth and development of the bamboo industry in India. It seeks to increase bamboo production, improve the quality of bamboo products and provide employment opportunities to rural communities. Through its various initiatives, the mission aims to enhance the livelihoods of bamboo growers and artisans, promote sustainable forest management and contribute to the overall economic growth of the country.