Rainfed Area Development (RAD) Scheme in India, Know More About It

Rainfed Area Development Scheme

The Rainfed Area Development (RAD) scheme, initiated in 2014-15, aims to foster the development of rainfed areas in a sustainable manner. By focusing on an area-based approach, RAD endeavors to enhance productivity and minimize risks associated with climatic variability.

Overview table of Rainfed Area Development

Aspect	Description
Initiation Year	2014-15
Objective	Foster sustainable development in rainfed areas through enhanced productivity and risk minimization
Core Component	Integrated Farming System (IFS)
Programmatic Interventions	Tailored to land capability and climatic parameters, dissemination of rainfed technologies, coordination with other schemes and missions
Emphasis	Sustainable agricultural practices, including soil testing-based nutrient management and indigenous seed use
Financial Assistance	Up to Rs. 30,000 per family for adopting integrated farming systems
Cluster Approach	Encourages clusters of 100 hectares or more for convergence and local participation, prioritizing soil analysis and water management
Objectives	Location-specific approach, promoting integrated farming systems, natural resource conservation, capacity building, mainstreaming rainfed technologies
Benefits	Enhanced agriculture productivity, mitigating climatic stress, natural resource conservation, capacity building, support for extensive livestock systems, integrated value chain support, monetary assistance for adopting integrated farming systems
Eligibility	Open to all farmers
Application Process	Preliminary inquiry, proposal submission, review by State Level Sanctioning Committee, project implementation
Documents Required	Aadhar number, land documents, bank details, photographs

Integrated Farming System (IFS)

At the core of RAD lies the Integrated Farming System (IFS), which integrates various agricultural activities such as horticulture, livestock, fishery, agro-forestry, and apiculture. This integration not only maximizes farm returns for sustaining livelihoods but also mitigates the impacts of adverse weather events by providing income opportunities from allied activities during crop damage.

Programmatic Interventions

RAD adopts programmatic interventions tailored to land capability and climatic parameters. It disseminates and promotes rainfed technologies, ensuring greater reach, especially in disadvantaged areas. RAD coordinates and converges with other schemes and missions like MGNREGA, PMKSY-WDC, RKVY, NFSM, MIDH, and SMAE to leverage investments and enhance impact.

Emphasis on Sustainable Practices

The scheme emphasizes sustainable agricultural practices, including soil testing-based nutrient management, resource conservation, and the use of indigenous seeds. Crop selection is guided by agro-climatic conditions to reduce the impact of adverse weather.

Financial Assistance and Cluster Approach

RAD offers financial assistance of up to Rs. 30,000 per family for the adoption of integrated farming systems. It encourages the adoption of clusters of 100 hectares or more to facilitate convergence and local participation. RAD clusters prioritize soil analysis, on-farm water management, and the adoption of farming systems recommended by ICAR’s Contingency Plans and NICRA projects.

Objectives of the Mission

The key objectives of RAD include:

• Undertaking a location-specific approach to dry-land areas for natural resource conservation and sustainable agriculture.
• Promoting integrated farming systems to enhance productivity, sustainability, and climate resilience.
• Conserving natural resources through soil and moisture conservation measures.
• Capacity building of farmers and stakeholders for climate change adaptation.
• Mainstreaming rainfed technologies refined under AICRPDA-NICRA and leveraging resources from other schemes and missions.

Benefits of the Scheme

RAD aims to provide several benefits, including:

1. Enhanced agriculture productivity and remuneration in rainfed areas.
2. Mitigation of climatic stress and crop failure risks.
3. Conservation of natural resources through soil fertility and rainwater management.
4. Capacity building of farmers in improved agronomic practices and climate change mitigation.
5. Support for extensive livestock systems.
6. Integrated value chain support for pulses, millets, and oilseeds-based farming.
7. Monetary support for adopting integrated farming systems.

Eligibility

All farmers are eligible to apply for the RAD scheme.

Rainfed Area Development Programme Application Process

The application process for the Rainfed Area Development Programme (RAD) involves several steps to ensure proper vetting and approval of proposals. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the process:

Step 01: Preliminary Inquiry

Interested beneficiaries should initiate the process by contacting the District/Block Agriculture Officer. This initial inquiry aims to assess the eligibility of the village or cluster for participation in the RAD scheme. The Agriculture Officer will provide guidance and information regarding the scheme’s requirements and procedures.

Step 02: Proposal Submission

Upon confirming the eligibility of the village or cluster, the interested parties must submit a proposal. This proposal outlines the specific interventions and activities planned under the RAD scheme. The proposal typically includes details such as the area to be covered, proposed farming systems, and expected outcomes.

Step 03: Review by State Level Sanctioning Committee (SLSC)

Once the proposal is submitted, it undergoes review by the State Level Sanctioning Committee (SLSC). Chaired by the Chief Secretary, the SLSC evaluates the proposal based on various criteria, including alignment with RAD objectives, feasibility, and potential impact. The SLSC’s approval is crucial for the project to proceed to the implementation phase.

Step 04: Project Implementation

Upon approval from the SLSC, the project enters the implementation phase. The state government or a state-appointed Project Promoter/Implementing Agency takes charge of executing the approved RAD project. This involves coordinating activities, allocating resources, and monitoring progress to ensure successful implementation.

Documents Required

To facilitate the application process and ensure eligibility, certain documents must be provided by the beneficiaries. These documents serve as proof of identity, land ownership, and banking details. Here’s a list of the essential documents required for applying to the RAD scheme:

1. Aadhar Number: Aadhar, a unique identification number issued by the Indian government, serves as proof of identity and residence for Indian citizens.
2. Land Documents: Documents verifying land ownership or lease agreements are essential to demonstrate the beneficiary’s association with the proposed RAD project area.
3. Bank Details: Beneficiaries need to provide their bank account details for the disbursement of financial assistance and other monetary benefits under the RAD scheme.
4. Photographs: Recent photographs of the beneficiaries may be required for identification purposes and project documentation.

Conclusion: Rainfed Area Development

The Rainfed Area Development scheme represents a concerted effort to uplift rainfed areas sustainably. By integrating various agricultural activities, promoting sustainable practices, and providing financial assistance, RAD aims to enhance livelihoods, mitigate climate risks, and conserve natural resources in rainfed regions.

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