Discover the comprehensive list of Jharkhand government welfare schemes designed to boost farmers’ incomes, waive loans, and promote modern agriculture.
Jharkhand, one of India’s resource-rich eastern states, has a significant farming population. Recognizing the critical role of agriculture in rural livelihoods and the economy, the Government of Jharkhand has launched multiple welfare schemes to support farmers. These initiatives aim to improve incomes, reduce debt, enhance resilience to climate risks, promote modern farming techniques, and engage the youth in agriculture.
This comprehensive guide covers major welfare schemes launched by the Jharkhand government for farmers. It explains their benefits, eligibility, application process, and other key details—making it a valuable reference for farmers, students, policy enthusiasts, and the general public.
1. Mukhyamantri Krishi Ashirwad Yojana (MKAY)
The Mukhyamantri Krishi Ashirwad Yojana is an ambitious direct benefit transfer (DBT) scheme to provide financial assistance to small and marginal farmers before the Kharif season.
Key Benefits:
- ₹5,000 per acre per year (up to 5 acres).
- Funds transferred directly to farmers’ bank accounts via DBT.
Eligibility:
- Small and marginal farmers owning up to 5 acres of cultivable land.
- Residents of Jharkhand.
How to Apply:
- Online application via https://mmkay.jharkhand.gov.in/About.aspx
This scheme empowers farmers by providing timely investment support, reducing dependence on informal credit.
2. Jharkhand Krishi Rin Mafi Yojana
Launched on 1 February 2021, this scheme waives agricultural loans up to ₹50,000 per farmer, alleviating debt stress.
Key Benefits:
- One-time loan waiver up to ₹50,000 per farmer.
Eligibility:
- Permanent residents of Jharkhand.
- Small and marginal farmers with loans via Kisan Credit Card.
- Self-cultivating or leased land farmers.
- Minimum age 18 years.
- Loan availed before 31 March 2020.
- Only one farmer per family can claim the waiver.
Required Documents:
- Aadhaar Card
- Ration Card
- Kisan Credit Card
How to Apply:
- Online application at https://jkrmy.jharkhand.gov.in/Default?lb=en
This scheme provides vital debt relief to vulnerable farmers, breaking the cycle of indebtedness.
3. Jharkhand Kisan Fasal Rahat Yojana
The Jharkhand Kisan Fasal Rahat Yojana is designed to protect farmers against crop losses due to natural disasters.
Key Features:
- Provides security cover for crop damage.
- Covers both land-owning and landless small/marginal farmers.
- Implemented by the Department of Agriculture, Animal Husbandry & Co-operatives, Government of Jharkhand.
This scheme enhances farmers’ resilience to climate shocks and mitigates the risk of income loss.
4. Samakit Birsa Gram Vikas Yojana cum Krishak Pathshala
This innovative program combines modern farm infrastructure with farmer training.
Key Highlights:
- One model agricultural farm selected in every district.
- Equipped with advanced technologies for horticulture, livestock rearing, pisciculture, and irrigation.
- Farmers receive training in modern techniques to boost productivity and income.
Budget:
- Approx. ₹50 crore allocated for 2021-22.
This scheme focuses on holistic rural development, skill-building, and technology adoption.
5. Birsa Kisan Yojana (BKY)
Announced by Chief Minister Hemant Soren, the Birsa Kisan Yojana aims to simplify farmers’ access to government benefits and reduce fraud.
Unique Features:
- Every farmer receives a unique ID card with a barcode.
- ID cards enable farmers to directly access multiple government schemes without middlemen.
- Data on farmer benefits centrally maintained to reduce fraud and ensure transparency.
Key Benefits:
- Training sessions with experts on modern farming techniques.
- Improved access to agricultural loans.
- Special focus on BPL/poor farmers.
- Direct bank transfer (DBT) benefits linked to one account.
Registration:
- Farmers can enroll at Pragya Kendras.
- Aadhaar-based KYC required.
- Land details linked via Revenue Department website.
This scheme aims to empower farmers, streamline benefits, and build a robust farmer database.
6. Mukhyamantri Krishi Wrin Mafi Yojana
Announced in December 2020 and formally launched on 1 February 2021, this flagship scheme waives farm loans to reduce debt burdens and improve rural livelihoods.
Key Objectives:
- Waive loans up to ₹50,000 per farmer.
- Financial relief for around 9 lakh farmers.
- Total sanctioned outlay of ₹2,000 crore.
Important Points:
- Loans availed up to 31 March 2020 eligible for waiver.
- Farmers must deposit ₹1 as a security fee.
- Online processing of applications.
- Aadhaar-linked bank accounts required.
- Deputy Commissioners oversee verification.
Milestone:
- The first beneficiary, Molindra Besra from Jamtara block, received a waiver during the launch ceremony.
This scheme targets the root cause of agrarian distress—crippling loan repayment pressure.
7. Meethi Kranti Yojana (Sweet Revolution Scheme)
To diversify farmer incomes, Jharkhand has introduced the Meethi Kranti Yojana to promote bee-keeping.
Key Benefits:
- Free bee-keeping training.
- One bee-keeping unit worth ₹1 lakh (₹80,000 government grant + ₹20,000 farmer contribution).
- Potential to earn up to ₹1.3 lakh annually.
Coverage:
- Implemented in all 27 districts of Jharkhand.
- Aims to quadruple farmers’ income by 2022.
The scheme aligns with the broader goal of agricultural diversification and sustainable livelihoods.
8. Interest-Free Farm Loan Scheme
The Interest-Free Farm Loan Scheme offers zero-interest credit to farmers for the first year.
Objectives:
- Ensure easy, quick, and affordable loans.
- Increase farmer incomes and reduce suicides.
- Provide financial security.
Key Features:
- 0% interest for the first year (government pays interest).
- Farmer must repay within the first year to avoid future interest.
- 50% interest subsidy for dairy farmers.
Eligibility:
- Farmers residing in Jharkhand.
Additional Benefits for Farmers:
- Zero premium crop insurance since 2018.
- Dedicated electricity feeder lines since May 2019.
- 24×7 power for all villages targeted by August 2019.
- Free mobile phone distribution for 28 lakh farmers (2019–2021).
- Weather, crop, and subsidy information via mobile apps.
This comprehensive approach tackles credit access and technological empowerment simultaneously.
9. Attracting and Retaining Youth in Agriculture (ARYA) Scheme
To address the challenge of aging rural populations, the ARYA Scheme focuses on engaging youth in agriculture.
Key Objectives:
- Train and encourage rural youth to pursue agriculture.
- Make Jharkhand self-reliant in food production.
Implementation:
- Managed by Agriculture Technology Management and Training Agency (ATMA).
- Two youths per village selected for training.
- Training includes using barren and uncultivated land effectively, soil health management, and modern farming practices.
Benefits:
- Promotion of sustainable farming (pulses after paddy, rabi cultivation).
- Use of soil health cards, neem-coated urea.
- Encouragement of crop insurance enrollment.
- Registration on Farmer Portal.
- Support via Kisan Call Centers.
- Promotion of seed treatment and technology adoption.
By skilling rural youth, the scheme fosters innovation, employment, and long-term sustainability in the agricultural sector.
Conclusion
Jharkhand’s agricultural welfare schemes represent a holistic approach to empowering farmers. From direct cash transfers and loan waivers to technology training and diversification incentives, these initiatives address both short-term relief and long-term sustainability. They aim to reduce farmer indebtedness, improve incomes, boost rural economies, and ensure food security.
By understanding these schemes, Jharkhand’s farmers can make informed decisions and leverage available support to build resilient and prosperous livelihoods.
For the latest updates and online applications, visit the official Jharkhand Agriculture Department website.
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