In a huge support to the agriculture sector in the State, Chief Minister Raghubar Das on Friday came up with a big announcement to grant Rs 5,000 grant per acre of land to every farmer of Jharkhand. The money will be given to the farmers once in a year to support them for purchase of seeds, fertilisers and other necessary stuff, said Das.
Addressing media persons in a press conference here on Friday, the CM said that the “Mukhya Mantri Krishi Ashirwad Yojna” will be launched from the next financial year, wherein the farmers of the State will be given grant of Rs 5,000 per acre every year as assistance towards their necessities for agricultural work.
“A large number of delegates from the country and outside had attended the Global Agriculture and Food Summit recently. And, most of them had stressed on organic farming in the State. We had also said that we will come up with a big gift in the next financial year. So here it is,” said the CM.
“Next financial year onwards the Government will grant Rs 5,000 per acre to each farmer of the State. Payments will be done either by cheque or Direct Benefit Transfer. Even those, who have agricultural land less than an acre will be provided the grant. The farmers can choose to use the funds during Kharif or Rabi season. Now the farmers of the State will not have to be dependent on anyone for purchase of seeds, fertilisers and other items,” said Das.
He further informed that around 22.76 lakh farmers of the State will be benefitted by the scheme, which will put a burden of Rs 2,250 crore (Aprox) on the exchequer. “I have seen the capacity of the farmers of the State. In last four years the agricultural growth rate went up to about 19 per cent. Let the farmer stand on his feet,” he added.
The CM said that the scheme is also aimed to stop migration of farmers to other states in search of jobs. “There are ample employment opportunities in agriculture sector. Jackfruit from Khunti district is going to Singapore. I have also talked to several people in Dubai for making available markets for our farmers. Many people are coming here on January 10. When the economy of our villages will be strong the country will automatically prosper,” he said.
The CM said that the Government has already announced to pay premium for 14.85 lakh people under the crop insurance scheme. He said that the beneficiaries of CM Krishi Ashirwad Yojan will be those farmers who have agricultural land not more than 5 acres.