Daily Current Affairs : 15 -November-2023

Since 2018, Maharashtra has been pioneering a unique initiative, the Project on Climate Resilient Agriculture (POCRA), also known as Nanaji Deshmukh Krushi Sanjivani Prakalp. This initiative aims to assist farmers in adopting climate change-resilient structures and practices. However, recent reports highlight a concerning trend: the disproportionate allocation of project funds across districts and interventions.

Overview of POCRA:
  • POCRA is the largest climate-resilient agriculture project in India, implemented in 16 out of Maharashtra’s 36 districts.
  • Launched with an initial budget of Rs 4,000 crore, the project is funded through a combination of a 70% World Bank loan and a 30% contribution from the state government.
  • Notably, no other state in India has undertaken a project of this scale focused on climate-resilient agriculture.
  • POCRA operates on a direct benefit transfer mechanism, allowing various entities such as farmers, communities, Farmer Producer Organisations/Companies (FPOs/FPCs), and Self-Help Groups (SHGs) to register and apply for funds to support 25 specified interventions.
Disparities in Fund Allocation:
  • Despite the ambitious scope of POCRA, data reveals a significant concentration of funds in only a handful of districts.
  • The distribution pattern indicates a lack of equitable resource allocation, potentially hindering the overall effectiveness of the project.
  • Certain types of interventions seem to be favored over others, raising questions about the diversity and inclusivity of the project’s approach.
Challenges and Implications:
  • The unequal distribution of funds may exacerbate existing socio-economic disparities among farming communities in different districts.
  • A lack of diversified interventions may limit the project’s ability to address the varied challenges posed by climate change in different agro-climatic zones.
Important Points:
  • Overview of POCRA:
    • Initial budget of Rs 4,000 crore, funded by a 70% World Bank loan and 30% state government contribution.
    • POCRA is based on a direct benefit transfer mechanism.
    • Unprecedented as no other state in India has undertaken such a massive climate-resilient agriculture project.
    • Allows registration and application by various entities, including farmers, communities, FPOs/FPCs, and SHGs for 25 specified interventions.
  • Disparities in Fund Allocation:
    • Recent data reveals significant fund concentration in a few districts, raising concerns about equitable resource distribution.
    • Certain types of interventions receive more funds than others, indicating potential bias in project implementation.
  • Challenges and Implications:
    • Unequal fund distribution may worsen socio-economic disparities among farming communities in different districts.
    • Lack of diversified interventions may limit the project’s ability to tackle climate change challenges across diverse agro-climatic zones.
Why In News

Maharashtra’s project funds for climate-resilient agriculture, which have been disproportionately allocated to just a few districts and types of interventions, underscore the need for a more inclusive and equitable distribution to ensure widespread impact across the agricultural landscape.

MCQs about Challenges in Maharashtra’s POCRA

  1. What is the primary focus of Maharashtra’s Project on Climate Resilient Agriculture (POCRA)?
    A. Enhancing traditional farming practices
    B. Promoting climate-resilient structures and practices
    C. Expanding irrigation facilities
    D. Introducing organic farming methods
    Correct Answer: B. Promoting climate-resilient structures and practices
    Explanation: POCRA aims to assist farmers in adopting climate change-resilient structures and practices.
  2. What is the funding structure of POCRA?
    A. 50% World Bank loan, 50% state government contribution
    B. 70% World Bank loan, 30% state government contribution
    C. Fully funded by the state government
    D. Funded through public donations
    Correct Answer: B. 70% World Bank loan, 30% state government contribution
    Explanation: POCRA is funded by a combination of a 70% World Bank loan and a 30% contribution from the state government.
  3. How many districts in Maharashtra are covered by POCRA?
    A. 20
    B. 26
    C. 16
    D. 36
    Correct Answer: C. 16
    Explanation: POCRA is implemented in 16 out of Maharashtra’s 36 districts.
  4. What is the main concern raised in the essay regarding fund allocation in POCRA?
    A. Insufficient funds for all districts
    B. Overemphasis on urban development
    C. Lack of farmer participation
    D. Disproportionate allocation favoring certain districts and interventions
    Correct Answer: D. Disproportionate allocation favoring certain districts and interventions
    Explanation: The essay highlights concerns about the unequal distribution of funds, concentrating on specific districts and types of interventions within POCRA.

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