C’garh govt disburses `1,522cr to 21L farmers

Raipur, Aug 20: The Chhattisgarh government on Friday transferred a sum of `1,522 crore to the bank accounts of at least 21 lakh farmers under its Rajiv Gandhi Kisaan Nyay Yojna (RGKNY).

The scheme, which aims to provide good returns to farmers for their produce, encourage production of Kharif crops and crop diversification, was launched in May last year.

Chief minister Bhupesh Bhupesh transferred the amount to beneficiaries during a function held at his official residence here to mark the 77th birth anniversary for former prime minister Rajiv Gandhi.

Speaking on the occasion, Baghel said his government has adopted Rajiv Gandhi’s vision to eradicate poverty and build a self-reliant Chhattisgarh. Following the path shown by Gandhi, the state government has started many welfare schemes for all sections of the people including the poor, farmers, tribals, he said.

More than `5,600 crore will be disbursed to 21 lakh farmers in four instalments as input assistance for paddy and sugarcane production for 2020-21, the chief minister said. The first instalment of `1,525.97 crore was released in May, while the second instalment of `1,522 crore was transferred to the bank accounts of paddy and sugarcane growers on Friday, he said. According to officials, an input assistance of `9,000 per acre is provided to paddy cultivators under the RGKNY.

The govt has expanded the scope of the scheme effective from Kharif season 2021, after which farmers growing crops other than paddy and sugarcane will also be covered under it, Baghel said.