Amidst growing trend of farmer suicide cases in the State, another shocker is the farmers are getting no benefits from the Krushi Sahayak Kendra (KSK) that was formed to create agriculture entrepreneurs.
The aspirants to set up different types of enterprises in field of agriculture are now waiting for long years as their applications are under redtape at the KSK.
The Government had set up the KSK in every district for the aspirant entrepreneurs to establish agro-based industries.
The farmers apply at those agriculture assistance centres to establish enterprises especially in sectors of fish farming, poultry, dairy, commercial agriculture and flower cultivation.
Along with depositing `10,000, application is also made at the KSKs for purchasing varieties of equipment used in agriculture.
The applications are forwarded to the local banks for loan sanction after verification made by the KSK headed by district agriculture officer comprising the authorities of different district level departments as other members.
The Government provides 20 per cent subsidised amount required to set up the agriculture enterprise to the eligible applicants.
Initially, the farmers were applying for establishing the enterprise with `100 deposited at the KSK. The amount has now increased to `10,000, which is refundable.
Although, the applications have been made online, the aspirants are waiting for long years to get nod for loan sanction.
Around 167 farmers in Puri district had applied to set up enterprise a year ago, but no development is found so far.
On the other hand, the applicants who had received bank loans for establishing the enterprises, are yet to receive the subsidy from the Government.
Since the Government lacks adequate cash, this has resulted in such situation due to which the applications following verification could not be forwarded to the banks at many districts, reliable sources said.
Meanwhile, the farmers are approaching the APICOl authorities who are entitled to provide the subsidised amount to the aspirants for the projects.
While attempts are being made to increase self appointment in agriculture sector, the Government is alleged of sitting quiet taking farmers’ deposit amounts for the enterprises.