Poor planning of agri projects bled exchequer of Rs 600 cr

Mad rush for sanctioning projects without proper research and more focus on expenditure rather than its benefits to the people, with an avoidable expenditure of Rs 600 crore are some of the concerns which the CAG has pointed out in its report on Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (RKVY).

Launched in 2007, RKVY is a state scheme of additional central assistance and it was conceptualised for robust agricultural growth. But due to wrong policies, the scheme has failed to yield the expected results, the auditor says.

It was learnt that the amount of funds involved in this scheme have increased substantially over the years from Rs25,000 crores in the 11th Plan to Rs60,000 crores in 12th Plan. But despite the allocation, crores of rupees were diverted, which include through organising fairs and futile campaign.

Bringing Green Revolution to Eastern India (BGREI), a part of sub-scheme under RKVY, has failed up to certain extent due to lack of technology, poor supply of saplings and expertise. In 2012-13 and 2013-14 the fund allocated covering seven states was nearly Rs2,000 crore. Unfortunately, nearly Rs150 crore was reported to be siphoned off by the middle men or contractor in supplying poor quality of pump set, self propelled and paddy trans-planter among others.

Not the least under the Integrated Development of 60,000 pulses villages in rainfed areas, several anomalies were pointed out. The scheme was aimed at attaining self-sufficiency in production of pulses, was initiated in 2010-11. 

During 2011-12, an amount of Rs300 crore was allocated to promote 60,000 pulses villages in rainfed areas for increasing crop productivity and strengthening market linkages. But under this scheme too, some of the states failed to meet their target due to blockage of funds. Ironically tonnes of raw material meant was found to be wasted, causing a loss of Rs50 crore.

During the implementation of RKVY scheme, special attention on linking farmers with the markets without middlemen was stressed upon. But, the government has failed to make a channel, which will take farmers directly to the market.

Some of the other schemes which were also criticised by the CAG are: Promotion of Oil Palm, Initiative on Vegetable Clusters, Nutri-cereals, National Mission for Protein Supplements, Accelerated Fodder Development Programme, Saffron Mission and Vidarbha Intensive Irrigation Development Programme among others.