At least 90 thousand farmers across Bokaro will soon get benefits under Mukhyamantri Krishi Ashirwad Yojana (MKAY). Bokaro Deputy Commissioner MK Barnawal issued a directive on
Sunday to his officials directing them to prepare a database of the beneficiaries at the earliest.
“I have asked the officials to make sure that none of the farmers are left out.
The aim of this scheme is to make farmers self-dependent,” Barnwal said.
Chief Minister Raghubar Das had announced this scheme on December 21, 2018, wherein farmers will get Rs 5000 per acre for their crops, said an official adding, “The objective of the scheme is to double-up the farmers’ income in next four years.”
Explaining this scheme the official said that small and marginal farmers who have maximum up to 5 acres of agricultural land will get the financial support of Rs 5,000 per acre for cultivation purposes.
“If a farmer has less than 1 acre of agricultural land then he will be eligible for the minimum support amount of Rs 5,000,” he said.
This scheme will commence from financial year 2019-20 in Kharif season and the financial assistance will be given for cultivation purposes such as purchase of fertilizer and seeds aiming to make the farmers independent.
This financial assistance will be transfer in the beneficiaries’ account through Direct Benefits Transfer (DBT) mode.
Under this scheme government will also provide crop loans at zero per cent interest rate, said the official.
“This is a very good move of the government and will prove to be a boon for us,” said Anand Mahato, farmer of Chandaha Village at Chandankiyari. “The announcement of this scheme was beyond our expectations, we are feeling very happy now,” he added.
“By implementing this scheme, government is providing us a huge relief,” said Ranjan Kumar, another farmer of Bagda villager under Kasmar block of the district.
“Along with the increase in crop production, this scheme will also give a boost in the agricultural employment which will ultimately reduce the migration from the district,” DC said.