Rainfed Area Development helps farmers in rainfed regions improve their productivity and income by promoting sustainable Integrated Farming Systems. As of 2026, the scheme continues as a component of the National Mission for Sustainable Agriculture (NMSA), which now runs under the umbrella of Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (PM-RKVY).
Rainfed Area Development - Introduction
Rainfed Area Development supports sustainable farming practices in rainfed zones of the country. It has been operational since 2014-15 and uses an area based approach that focuses on Integrated Farming Systems to lift farm yields while cutting down the risks that come with unpredictable weather.
Under this system, main crops are combined with activities like horticulture, livestock, fisheries, agro-forestry, and apiculture. This mix helps farmers earn more and stay safe against extreme weather. If crops fail because of nature, these allied activities still give a steady flow of income.
Since 2018-19, NMSA has been run as a sub-mission under the Green Revolution-Krishonnati Yojana, and from 2022-23 it sits within the umbrella of PM-RKVY. The scheme uses the Integrated Farming System models developed by the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), which are made for each agro-climatic zone.
For example, a farmer in a rainfed area can combine millet cultivation with vermicomposting and bee-keeping to build a diverse and climate-resilient farm unit. Farmers are grouped into clusters of at least 100 hectares so that local communities can work together on the ground.
Since 2014-15, about ₹2,119.84 crore has been released under Rainfed Area Development, covering 8.50 lakh hectares and benefiting 14.35 lakh farmers through Integrated Farming Systems. In FY 2025-26, an allocation of ₹343.86 crore was made to States and Union Territories, under which 96,013 farmers received training.
Key Information
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Scheme Name | Rainfed Area Development |
| Level | Central |
| Scheme For | Family |
| Beneficiary States | All |
| Category | Agriculture, Rural & Environment |
| Target Beneficiaries | Family |
| Benefit Type | Composite |
| DBT Scheme | No |
| Nodal Ministry | Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare |
| Nodal Department | Department of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare |
| Implementing Agency | State Designated Agency |
| Open Date | 2014-01-01 |
| Tags | Rainfed, Dryland Agriculture, Watershed, Sustainable Agriculture |
Benefits
The scheme provides the following support to help farmers grow:
- Improved agricultural productivity and better earnings in rainfed regions through Integrated Farming Systems.
- Active protection against climatic stressors like heatwaves, droughts, and heavy rainfall.
- Conservation of natural resources, with a specific focus on soil fertility and rainwater harvesting.
- Training opportunities to help farmers learn climate-resilient farming techniques.
- Support for extensive livestock systems, including health and fodder management.
- Integrated value chain support for pulses, millets, and oilseeds to improve access to local markets.
- Financial assistance of up to ₹30,000 per family for setting up integrated farming systems.
Eligibility
All farmers across the country are eligible to benefit from this scheme. The assistance is provided based on the cluster based approach defined by state authorities. A farmer family must be willing to adopt Integrated Farming System practices, and beneficiaries from tribal upliftment villages are also covered.
Application Process
Farmers should follow these steps to apply for the benefits:
STEP 1 - Get in touch with the local District or Block Agriculture Officer to check if the village or cluster is eligible for the scheme.
STEP 2 - If the location is approved, the proposal moves to the State Level Sanctioning Committee chaired by the Chief Secretary.
STEP 3 - Once the committee approves the project, the state government or its appointed agency begins the implementation process in the area.
Documents
Farmers should keep the following documents ready for verification:
- Aadhaar card.
- Land ownership or occupancy documents.
- Bank account details for fund transfers.
- Recent passport sized photographs.
The specific requirements may vary by state or by the type of farming intervention chosen. Farmers should check with the local agriculture office for the exact list of documents for their area.
References
Read the Detailed Operational Guidelines
Download the Rainfed Area Development Operational Guidelines PDF
Visit the National Mission for Sustainable Agriculture Portal
Read the PIB Update on National Mission for Sustainable Agriculture
FAQ's
What is the amount of financial assistance provided?
Farmers can receive financial assistance of up to ₹30,000 per family for adopting integrated farming systems. This applies when crops are combined with trees or at least two allied activities like fishing, apiculture, or silage making.
Is there a limit to the monetary support?
The aid is fixed at ₹30,000 per family. This is a supplementary amount and is provided on top of any other support received through schemes like MGNREGA, PMKSY-WDC, or the National Mission on Natural Farming.
Does the support change depending on how much land I own?
No, the assistance is uniform for all farmers regardless of landholding size. If extra capital is needed, it can be arranged through standard credit facilities.
Who is eligible to apply for this scheme?
All farmers residing in any State or Union Territory of India can avail of the benefits of this scheme, provided they are willing to adopt Integrated Farming System practices.
What specific activities are supported under the scheme?
The scheme supports integrated farming models, specifically combinations of activities like fisheries, bee-keeping, silage making, vermicomposting, horticulture, and livestock alongside standard crop production.
Can I use this scheme if I already participate in PMKSY-WDC?
Yes. Benefits under this scheme are designed to complement, not replace, support from other regional and national agricultural missions.
Is there an application fee for this scheme?
No, the entire application process is free. Farmers should not pay any official to process their application.
What documents will I need to submit?
Once a cluster is officially identified, farmers are asked to provide their KYC documents, bank details, land records, and photographs. The local agriculture office provides the exact list relevant to each case.