With chances of the extension of lockdown gaining ground, the Uttar Pradesh government gave a huge relief to farmers by deferring crop loan repayment under Kisan Credit Card till May 31.
An announcement to this effect was made by Additional Chief Secretary (Home) Awanish Awasthi in Lucknow on Saturday.
“The government has taken many important decisions in the agriculture sector to benefit farmers. Repayment of crop loan taken by farmers with Kisan Credit Cards stands deferred till May 31. The decision is set to benefit over 148 lakh farmers across the state,” Awasthi said in his daily news briefing on Saturday.
“Besides, the government transferred Rs 2,000 each in the accounts of marginal and small farmers under Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Yojana. The government transferred Rs 3,700 crore through DBT which will again benefit 185 lakh farmers,” the additional chief secretary said.
He said that sowing of crops had been completed in over 70 per cent agricultural land and seeds and fertilisers were made available to the farmers.
“The government has also permitted opening of agri-based service centres, spare parts shops and other associated centres. Even rail and road transportation is allowed for agriculture. The Yogi Adityanath government has also provided exemptions on use of combine harvesters for reaping Rabi crops,” Awasthi said.
“Harvesting of oilseeds, wheat and pulses is almost complete and almost 99 per cent of oilseeds, 90 per cent of pulses have been harvested while reaping of wheat and barley is underway at a fast pace. Purchase of wheat at mandis will start from April 15,” the additional chief secretary added.
Meanwhile, the Agriculture department has issued detailed guidelines, asking farmers to maintain social distancing, wash hands regularly and take other preventive measures during the harvesting.
The government had earlier decided to start purchase of mustard, gram and lentils (masoor). The government will buy 2.64 lakh metric tonnes of mustard, 2.01 lakh metric tonnes of gram and 1.21 lakh metric tonnes of lentil (masoor) from farmers at designated centres for 90 days starting April 2.