Aadhaar proof made mandatory for oil palm farmers to claim Central subsidy

The Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare has made Aadhaar mandatory for oil palm farmers to claim government subsidy, which will be directly transferred into their bank accounts.

However, while advising State governments to facilitate Aadhaar cards made for those who do not possess it yet, the Centre has for the time being made some relaxations by allowing the farmers to submit alternative identity proofs.

The Government launched the National Mission for Edible Oils Oil Palm (NMEOOP) in August 2021 under which there is a target to raise crude palm oil production to 11.20 lakh tonnes by 202526. The scheme is operational in 15 States, covering a potential area of 21.75 lakh hectares.

Under NMEOOP, a Centrally Sponsored Scheme, there is a provision of Viability Gap Payment (VGP) to insulate farmers from the volatility in Crude Palm Oil prices.

DIFFERENTIAL AMOUNT

The VGP is paid directly through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT), when the industry’s payable price (based on the average market rate for a particular period) falls below the governmentset rate, which is declared by for every Oil Palm Year (NovemberOctober).

The differential amount paid by the government to ensure that farmers get a minimum assured price, irrespective of fluctuations in market rates.

In a notification issued last week by joint secretary Ajeet Kumar Sahu, the agriculture ministry said any eligible beneficiary desirous of availing the benefits under the scheme is required to furnish proof of possession of Aadhaar number or has to undergo Aadhaar authentication.

However, if the beneficiary does not possess the Aadhaar number or, has not yet enrolled for Aadhaar, shall have to apply for Aadhaar enrolment, it said. Further, concerned department in the State governments are asked to offer Aadhaar enrolment facilities at convenient locations for the beneficiaries who are not yet enrolled in coordination with Unique Identification Authority of India.