To ensure that there is no delay in payments to be made to the farmers during the upcoming Rabi Season 2021-22 commencing from April 1, Haryana Government has decided to pay nine percent interest to the farmers if their payments are delayed.
“About 9 per cent interest (bank rate plus one percent) would be paid to the farmers if their payments are delayed. The payments would be made directly into the verified accounts of farmers,” the Chief Minister said while presiding over a review meeting of officers engaged in the upcoming procurement season held here. Deputy Chief Minister Dushyant Chautala was also present in the meeting.
Manohar Lal said, “Farmers must receive payment of their procured produce within a stipulated time period. Any delay in payment would not be tolerated. Responsibilities should be fixed to ensure that farmers are timely paid.”
During the meeting, the Chief Minister also reviewed the arrangements being made for the smooth procurement of crops and directed the concerned departments and procurement agencies to ensure that farmers do not face any inconvenience while selling their produce in different mandis across the state.
“Hassle-free and timebound procurement should be ensured by making advance scheduling plans so that farmers do not face any problems” he directed. The Chief Minister said that in view of the sudden surge in COVID-19 cases, like last year, the required number of procurement centres should also be increased ensuring hassle free procurement. Procurement of wheat and mustard would commence in April 1 while procurement of other crops would commence on April 10. Timely identification of places required for setting up these procurement centres should be done at the earliest, he directed.
Manohar Lal while giving directions regarding strengthening of Mandi system said that along with making timely arrangements for availability of labourers in the Mandis, adequate number of weighing scales, gunny bags, sewing machines, etc should also be ensured.
“Suitable transportation arrangements should be made for lifting of the crops from the Mandis on time and if any transporter fails to lift the crops within 48 hours, then the Deputy Commissioners should remain ready with any alternative transport arrangements,” he said.
During the meeting, Additional Chief Secretary, Food Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs Department, Anurag Rastogi, apprised the Chief Minister that this time, payment module has been made a part of e-Kharid and several banks will be empanelled for this purpose.
He informed that Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) have been issued to every Deputy Commissioner for strict implementation throughout the procurement season. Besides this, health safety arrangements have also been made in advance to minimize health risk to those engaged in procurement operations. The Deputy Commissioners have been directed to ensure that COVID-19 safety protocols are strictly followed at each procurement centre, he informed.
