World Bank project for Maharashtra farmers

The Government of India and the World Bank have signed an agreement to launch an ambitious $420 million project to help small and marginal farmers in the Marathwada and Vidarbha regions of Maharashtra, to implement climate resilient practices in agriculture and to ensure that farming continues to remain a financially viable activity for them. The project, which is in progress, is to benefit over 25 million small and marginal farmers in Maharashtra.

The Department of Agriculture, Government of Maharashtra, in association with the World Bank has rolled out the Project on Climate Resilient Agriculture (PoCRA). The scheme will be implemented in 5142 villages across 15 districts. The project aims to enhance climate resilience and profitability of 700,000 small (1-2 ha) and 10,00,000 marginal (less than 1 ha) farmers in 5000 villages across 15 drought and salinity- affected districts of Maharashtra. The total project cost is $599.55 million and commitments include $420 million by International Bank for Reconstruction and Development and $179 million by borrower/recipient.

Financial activities include disbursements, fees, interest and charges.

To provide financial assistance to the beneficiary directly in their bank accounts, DBT application of PoCRA will act as a single application for registration, activity application, sanctions at multiple stages by PoCRA officials and bank disbursement. The application will give ease to enduser by login into their account using their Aadhaar through OTP or through biometric authentication and apply for the available activities for financial assistance.