In a bid to help farmers to get freedom from private moneylenders and make them self dependent, the State Government will introduce Mukhya Mantri Krishi Ashirward Yojana (MMKAY)— a scheme under which farmers will get cash for purchasing seeds and fertilizers.
Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu in presence of Chief Minister Raghubar Das will launch the much awaited scheme here on Saturday. The Vice-President will also roll out Kishan Sarthi Rath, on the occasion, which will move across the State creating awareness about various agricultural schemes of State Government. Under the MMKAY first phase, the government will disburse Rs 5,000 to 13.60 lakh farmers for each acre of land they own. Farmers having agricultural land upto 5 acres will get Rs 5,000 for each acre with maximum amount of Rs 25,000.
With the launch of scheme by Vice President, the cash support under MMKAY will be transferred directly through Real Time Gross Settlement (RTGS) to the bank accounts of the beneficiaries on August 10.
State Agriculture Minister Randhir Kumar Singh said, “Under the MMKAY, the State Government has set a target to provide disburse Rs 3000 crore among 35 lakh farmers. In the initial phase 13.60 lakh farmers will be benefited.”
Singh further said, “Farmers, who have registered with the scheme, will get the funds in their bank accounts on August 10.
The remaining 22 lakh farmers too will be registered soon and the funds will be transferred to their bank accounts by October this year.”
The State Agriculture Department secretary, Pooja Singhal while talking to media persons said that out of total budgetary allocation of Rs 3,000 crore under the scheme, Rs 800 crore will be spent in first phase and on Tuesday Rs 400 crore will be credited in farmers account.
Through the main function is held in Ranchi farmers from the five districts will join online with the Vice President in the launch of the scheme. The five districts in which the scheme will be launched online include East Singhbhum, Giridih, Pakur, Latehar and Chatra.
Sources said that the State Government scheme aims at helping the farmers at the time when drought like situation is prevailing in the State due to deficient rainfall.
Meanwhile, the district administration has made elaborate plans for Vice President’s visit.
The Ranchi District Administration in the wake of Naidu’s visit, has cancelled the leaves of employees on August 10 and 12 (on account of Bakrid).
The State Government has already directed all Block Development Officer (BDO) and Circle Officer (CO) to be present at their respective office for the successful launch of the scheme.
Around 2,000 police personnel will be deployed for manning security arrangement.
The Ranchi police ahead of Vice President’s visit also carried out checking drives at hotels, lodges.
The Ranchi police on Friday also frisked high rises building enroute of Vice President’s cavalcade.
As the main function will be held at Harmu Maidan at 11.45 AM, the traffic police have made traffic diversion and indentified four parking spots.
The four parking spots which have been identified are behind Harmu Housing Board office, Jatra Maidan, Veer Kuer Singh Park and near DAV Kapil Dev School.
In these parking spots there is space for parking around 50 to 60 buses.
Also en route to Vice President, security personnel will be deployed.