Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (RKVY – RAFTAAR)
Full Form: Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana – Remunerative Approaches for Agriculture and Allied Sector Rejuvenation
Ministry: Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare, Government of India
Launched: Initially in 2007; restructured as RKVY–RAFTAAR in 2017–18
Implemented By: Department of Agriculture, Cooperation & Farmers Welfare (DAC&FW)
Scheme Type: Umbrella Program for Agriculture Development & Innovation Promotion
Beneficiary Type: Farmers, Agripreneurs, Startups, States, FPOs, Cooperatives
Coverage: All States & Union Territories
Category: Agriculture Development / Innovation / Entrepreneurship
Official Website: https://rkvy.nic.in
About the Programme
The Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (RKVY) was launched in 2007 to promote holistic growth of agriculture and allied sectors by incentivizing States to increase investment in agriculture and adopt region-specific strategies.
In 2017, it was restructured as RKVY–RAFTAAR (Remunerative Approaches for Agriculture and Allied Sector Rejuvenation) with a sharper focus on innovation, agripreneurship, and startup incubation in agriculture.
Goal: To strengthen farmers’ income, promote innovation, and ensure balanced growth of agriculture through State-driven, flexible, and demand-based planning.
🧭 Objectives
- To make farming a remunerative economic activity.
- To ensure State-driven agricultural development based on local needs.
- To encourage agri-entrepreneurship and startups in the farm sector.
- To provide financial support for innovative projects, infrastructure, and value addition.
- To promote integration of agriculture with allied sectors (animal husbandry, fisheries, horticulture, dairy, etc.).
🧾 Key Features
- Flexibility to States: States can choose projects based on local priorities.
- Outcome-Oriented: Funds are released only for projects with measurable results.
- Innovation Promotion: Dedicated funds for Agri Startups through incubation centres.
- Cluster-Based Projects: Encourages convergence with schemes like PMKSY, PMFBY, NMOOP.
- ICT Integration: Use of digital tools for monitoring, GIS mapping, and evaluation.
- Multi-Sectoral Approach: Covers crop, livestock, fisheries, dairy, and agri-infrastructure.
🚀 RKVY–RAFTAAR Components
| Component | Description |
|---|---|
| 1. Infrastructure & Assets | Funding for irrigation systems, markets, storage, farm mechanization, and logistics. |
| 2. Value Chain Development | Support for processing, branding, and marketing of agri-produce. |
| 3. Innovation & Agri-Entrepreneurship (Startups) | Seed funding and incubation support through RKVY-RAFTAAR Agri-Business Incubators (R-ABIs). |
| 4. Flexi-Funds for States | 10% of allocation kept flexible for special local projects. |
| 5. Special Sub-Schemes | Focused initiatives like Rainfed Area Development, Organic Farming, and Crop Diversification. |
Eligibility Criteria
| Beneficiary Type | Eligibility |
|---|---|
| Farmers & FPOs | Farmers with landholding, registered cooperatives, and producer organizations |
| Startups / Innovators | Registered startups in agriculture or allied sectors |
| State Governments / UTs | Propose projects for infrastructure, marketing, or technology |
| Institutions / Universities | For setting up RKVY incubation or training centres |
Documents Required
| Type | Documents |
|---|---|
| Identity Proof | Aadhaar / PAN / Voter ID |
| Land / Project Details | Land record / business plan / project report |
| Bank Details | Passbook / account number for fund transfer |
| Startup Registration | DPIIT / MSME certificate (for startup applicants) |
| Educational Proof | Degree / experience certificate (for entrepreneurs) |
| Others | GST / Udyam registration (if applicable) |
How to Apply
🖥️ For Farmers / State Projects
- Visit https://rkvy.nic.in
- Go to “State Projects” → “Submit Proposal” (for State Departments).
- Farmers and FPOs can contact their District Agriculture Office for inclusion in RKVY-supported projects.
- Applications are approved by the State Level Sanctioning Committee (SLSC) chaired by the Chief Secretary.
🚀 For Startups (RKVY–RAFTAAR)
- Visit https://rkvy.nic.in
- Click “Startup / Innovation Portal” or visit any RKVY Agri-Business Incubator (R-ABI) website (e.g., MANAGE, IARI, etc.).
- Fill online form with business idea, team, and funding needs.
- Shortlisted startups are invited for pitching and incubation.
- Selected startups receive seed funding, mentoring, and incubation space.
Funding Pattern
| Category | Centre’s Share | State’s Share |
|---|---|---|
| General States | 60% | 40% |
| North-Eastern / Hill States | 90% | 10% |
| Union Territories | 100% | — |
Startup Component Funding:
- Pre-seed: ₹5 lakh per idea
- Seed stage: ₹25 lakh per startup
- Equity / Grant-in-aid through R-ABIs
📈 Achievements
- Over ₹63,000 crore released to States since 2007.
- Supported thousands of innovative State projects on irrigation, soil health, marketing, and mechanization.
- Established 24 RKVY Agri-Business Incubators (R-ABIs).
- 500+ agri-startups funded under the RAFTAAR component.
- Boosted agri-exports, rural employment, and infrastructure.
🔍 How to Check Status
- Visit https://rkvy.nic.in
- Go to “Project Monitoring Dashboard” → “State / Beneficiary View.”
- Enter Project Name / Applicant ID / State.
- View project status, fund release, and approval details.
⚖️ Follow-Up & Grievance Redressal
If facing any delay or issue:
- Contact your State Agriculture Department / RKVY Nodal Officer.
- Lodge a grievance via https://pgportal.gov.in – under “Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare.”
- RKVY Helpline: 📞 1800-180-1551
- Email: rkvy-raftaar@nic.in
📞 Contact Details
RKVY Division
Department of Agriculture, Cooperation & Farmers Welfare
Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare
Krishi Bhawan, Dr. Rajendra Prasad Road,
New Delhi – 110001
📞 Helpline: 1800-180-1551
🌐 https://rkvy.nic.in
Who’s Who
| Designation | Name | Role |
|---|---|---|
| Union Minister of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare | Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan | Overall policy direction |
| Minister of State (Agriculture) | Shri Bhagirath Choudhary | Program coordination with States |
| Secretary (Agriculture & Farmers Welfare) | Shri Devesh Chaturvedi, IAS | Administrative head |
| DG, ICAR / Secretary (DARE) | Dr. Himanshu Pathak | R&D collaboration and technical evaluation |
| Mission Director (RKVY–RAFTAAR) | — | Scheme implementation & startup management |
FAQs
1. What does RAFTAAR stand for?
Remunerative Approaches for Agriculture and Allied Sector Rejuvenation.
2. Who can apply for RKVY–RAFTAAR startup funding?
Agri-startups, innovators, and entrepreneurs working in agriculture and allied sectors.
3. How are projects selected under RKVY?
States propose projects which are approved by the State Level Sanctioning Committee (SLSC) and reviewed by the Centre.
4. Is there any grant for individual farmers?
Indirectly — farmers benefit through State-level projects on irrigation, seed production, and infrastructure.
5. How can startups get funding?
By applying through any recognized RKVY-RAFTAAR Agri-Business Incubator (R-ABI).