Fiscal first-half end nears, 6 agri schemes announced in Budget yet to hit ground, Pg 5.

Key Highlights:

• Six new agriculture schemes announced in the Union Budget 2025-26 are yet to be implemented as the first half of the financial year nears its end.
• The Prime Minister Dhan-Dhaanya Krishi Yojana, aimed at benefiting 1.7 crore farmers, is awaiting the release of guidelines and the list of 100 selected districts.
• The Makhana Board in Bihar, with a budgetary allocation of ₹100 crore, is awaiting launch despite approval from the Standing Finance Committee.
• The "Mission for Aatmanirbharta in Pulses" has been approved by the Expenditure Finance Committee but awaits Union Cabinet clearance.
• The Agriculture Ministry has spent 27% (₹36,955.75 crore) of its annual budgetary allocation till the end of July.

Detailed Insights:

• The Prime Minister Dhan-Dhaanya Krishi Yojana aims to develop 100 agriculture districts through the convergence of 36 schemes from 11 ministries.
• The Makhana Board is expected to boost the production and processing of makhana, a specialized aquatic crop, particularly in Bihar.
• The "Comprehensive Programme for Vegetables & Fruits" is facing delays due to queries raised by the NITI Aayog and the Department of Expenditure.
• The National Mission on High Yielding Seeds is awaiting approval from the Expenditure Finance Committee, impacting the timely availability of improved seeds.
• Delay in scheme approvals may hinder the Agriculture Ministry's ability to utilize its annual outlay effectively, potentially leading to a "rush of expenditure" at the end of the financial year.

Key Concepts Involved:

• Expenditure Finance Committee (EFC): A committee that reviews and approves government expenditure proposals before they are sent to the Cabinet for final approval.
• NITI Aayog: A policy think tank of the Government of India that aims to promote cooperative federalism and provide strategic direction for policy-making.
• General Financial Rules (GFRs): A set of rules and regulations that govern the financial matters and expenditure of the Government of India.