Nanaji Deshmukh Krushi Sanjivani Prakalp.

The official name of the scheme is Nanaji Deshmukh Krushi Sanjivani Prakalp. It is commonly known as the POCRA Yojana (Project on Climate Resilient Agriculture) in Maharashtra. The scheme is implemented by the Government of Maharashtra with financial assistance from the World Bank to promote climate-resilient agriculture practices. POCRA Yojana, officially known as Nanaji Deshmukh Krushi Sanjivani Prakalp, is a large-scale agricultural development initiative launched by the Government of Maharashtra to support farmers in adapting to climate change. Agriculture in Maharashtra, particularly in drought-prone regions like Marathwada and Vidarbha, is highly vulnerable to irregular rainfall, rising temperatures, and soil degradation. These climate-related challenges significantly affect crop productivity and farmer income. The primary objective of POCRA is to promote climate-resilient agricultural practices, improve water resource management, and enhance farm productivity in vulnerable districts. The scheme focuses on sustainable farming techniques such as micro-irrigation, soil moisture conservation, crop diversification, agroforestry, and improved seed varieties. Under this project, financial assistance is provided to individual farmers and farmer groups for adopting climate-smart agricultural technologies. The scheme also supports capacity building, training programs, and infrastructure development at the village level. By reducing climate-related risks and improving farm sustainability, POCRA aims to increase farmer income and strengthen agricultural resilience across selected districts of Maharashtra.

Eligibility under POCRA Yojana depends on village selection and farmer participation. Key eligibility conditions include: The farmer must be a resident of a village selected under POCRA. The applicant must be engaged in agricultural activities. The farmer’s name must appear in land records. Willingness to adopt climate-resilient agricultural practices. Both small and marginal farmers are prioritized under the scheme. Eligible activities for financial assistance include: Micro-irrigation systems. Farm ponds and water harvesting structures. Soil health improvement measures. Crop diversification. Horticulture plantation. Agroforestry. Required documents typically include: Aadhaar card. 7/12 land record extract. Bank account details. Passport-size photographs. Farmer groups, self-help groups, and farmer producer organizations may also receive support under collective initiatives.

The application process begins at the village level. Step 1: Confirm that the village is covered under POCRA. Step 2: Visit the local Agriculture Office or Project Implementation Unit. Step 3: Submit application form with required documents. Step 4: Verification of land records and proposed activity. Step 5: Approval and sanction of financial assistance. Funds are transferred directly to the beneficiary’s bank account, often in stages based on progress. Farmers must comply with technical guidelines and allow inspection during implementation. Beneficiaries are advised to maintain documentation and coordinate with local agriculture officers throughout the process.

Introduction

The official name of the scheme is Nanaji Deshmukh Krushi Sanjivani Prakalp. It is commonly known as the POCRA Yojana (Project on Climate Resilient Agriculture) in Maharashtra. The scheme is implemented by the Government of Maharashtra with financial assistance from the World Bank to promote climate-resilient agriculture practices. POCRA Yojana, officially known as Nanaji Deshmukh Krushi Sanjivani Prakalp, is a large-scale agricultural development initiative launched by the Government of Maharashtra to support farmers in adapting to climate change. Agriculture in Maharashtra, particularly in drought-prone regions like Marathwada and Vidarbha, is highly vulnerable to irregular rainfall, rising temperatures, and soil degradation. These climate-related challenges significantly affect crop productivity and farmer income. The primary objective of POCRA is to promote climate-resilient agricultural practices, improve water resource management, and enhance farm productivity in vulnerable districts. The scheme focuses on sustainable farming techniques such as micro-irrigation, soil moisture conservation, crop diversification, agroforestry, and improved seed varieties. Under this project, financial assistance is provided to individual farmers and farmer groups for adopting climate-smart agricultural technologies. The scheme also supports capacity building, training programs, and infrastructure development at the village level. By reducing climate-related risks and improving farm sustainability, POCRA aims to increase farmer income and strengthen agricultural resilience across selected districts of Maharashtra.

When It Started

The Nanaji Deshmukh Krushi Sanjivani Prakalp (POCRA) was launched in 2018 by the Government of Maharashtra. The project was developed in collaboration with the World Bank to address climate vulnerabilities affecting agriculture in the state. The scheme was introduced after studies highlighted that certain districts in Maharashtra were highly prone to drought and climate variability. Frequent crop failures, declining groundwater levels, and soil fertility issues created an urgent need for a structured climate-resilient agricultural framework. The project was initially planned for a multi-year implementation period, covering thousands of villages in identified climate-vulnerable districts. It focuses on long-term sustainability rather than short-term relief measures. The government allocated substantial funding for implementation, and the World Bank provided financial and technical support. Over time, the scheme expanded its activities to include farmer producer organizations (FPOs), value chain development, and market linkages. POCRA continues to operate actively with phased targets and monitoring mechanisms to ensure effective implementation.

State Applicability

POCRA Yojana is applicable exclusively within the state of Maharashtra. However, it is not implemented across all districts. The scheme primarily covers climate-vulnerable districts, especially in regions such as Marathwada and Vidarbha. Selected villages within identified districts are included under the project based on climate risk assessment, water stress levels, and agricultural vulnerability indicators. Implementation is carried out through the Agriculture Department of Maharashtra in coordination with district-level project implementation units. Farmers residing in selected project villages are eligible to participate and receive benefits. Farmers outside notified villages are generally not covered unless the project is expanded. Thus, POCRA is a targeted state-level initiative focused on specific high-risk agricultural zones within Maharashtra.

Eligibility Criteria

Eligibility under POCRA Yojana depends on village selection and farmer participation. Key eligibility conditions include: The farmer must be a resident of a village selected under POCRA. The applicant must be engaged in agricultural activities. The farmer’s name must appear in land records. Willingness to adopt climate-resilient agricultural practices. Both small and marginal farmers are prioritized under the scheme. Eligible activities for financial assistance include: Micro-irrigation systems. Farm ponds and water harvesting structures. Soil health improvement measures. Crop diversification. Horticulture plantation. Agroforestry. Required documents typically include: Aadhaar card. 7/12 land record extract. Bank account details. Passport-size photographs. Farmer groups, self-help groups, and farmer producer organizations may also receive support under collective initiatives.

Selection Process

The selection process under POCRA is village-based and farmer application-based. First, villages are selected based on climate vulnerability criteria. Within selected villages, awareness campaigns are conducted to inform farmers about available interventions. Interested farmers must submit applications to the village-level agriculture officer or project implementation unit. Applications are evaluated based on eligibility, land records verification, and feasibility of proposed intervention. Priority may be given to small and marginal farmers and those willing to adopt sustainable practices. After approval, financial assistance is sanctioned as per project guidelines. In many cases, funds are released in stages linked to progress of implementation. Field inspections are conducted to ensure proper utilization of funds. The selection process emphasizes transparency, sustainability, and climate adaptation goals.

Rejection Process

Applications under POCRA may be rejected for the following reasons: Applicant not residing in a selected project village. Land records not verified. Incomplete documentation. Proposed intervention not aligned with project guidelines. Budget limitations for a particular activity. If discrepancies are found during field inspection, the application may be disqualified. Applicants may be allowed to correct documentation errors and reapply during the next approval cycle. The rejection process ensures that project funds are allocated only to eligible and climate-relevant interventions.

Who Started It

The Nanaji Deshmukh Krushi Sanjivani Prakalp (POCRA) was started by the Government of Maharashtra in 2018. The scheme was launched under the Agriculture Department with financial and technical support from the World Bank. It was introduced to address climate change impacts on agriculture and improve long-term sustainability in drought-prone districts. The project represents a strategic shift from short-term relief measures to structured climate-resilient agricultural planning.

Application Process

The application process begins at the village level. Step 1: Confirm that the village is covered under POCRA. Step 2: Visit the local Agriculture Office or Project Implementation Unit. Step 3: Submit application form with required documents. Step 4: Verification of land records and proposed activity. Step 5: Approval and sanction of financial assistance. Funds are transferred directly to the beneficiary’s bank account, often in stages based on progress. Farmers must comply with technical guidelines and allow inspection during implementation. Beneficiaries are advised to maintain documentation and coordinate with local agriculture officers throughout the process.