A fresh controversy has erupted in Haryana's Rewari district after farmers alleged that nearly Rs 24.07 crore remained unpaid under the Bhavantar Yojana (price deficiency compensation scheme) for bajra (pearl millet) for the 2023 crop season, triggering demands for the immediate release of dues and compensation for crop losses.
Farmers Raise Concerns
The issue was raised by Bharatiya Kisan Union (BKU) Rewari district president Samay Singh, who claimed that despite repeated representations before the district administration and the state authorities, a substantial portion of the payments was yet to reach beneficiaries. According to Singh, the pending payments were related to the sale of nearly 80,000 quintals of bajra under the scheme in Rewari district. He alleged that farmers had held several meetings with officials, submitted memorandums on multiple occasions and staged demonstrations, but the issue remained unresolved.
"The government still owes approximately Rs 24.07 crore against the sale of bajra under the Bhavantar Yojana for the 2023 season. The prolonged delay has pushed many farmers into financial distress, yet no concrete action has been taken despite repeated appeals," Singh alleged. He further claimed that nearly 10% of payments for bajra were pending under the scheme for the last year. In addition, around 145 gate passes issued for bajra procurement were not approved, depriving several farmers of benefits under the scheme, said Singh.
Compensation Under Scanner
Apart from the payment delays, BKU leaders raised concerns over compensation for crop damage. According to Singh, although a compensation portal was opened to provide relief to affected cultivators, only around 40% of eligible farmers reportedly received compensation, while a large number continued to await payments. He also highlighted losses caused by unseasonal rainfall, alleging that nearly 600 quintals of mustard stored in the grain market were damaged after being submerged in rainwater. However, official records reportedly acknowledged damage to only 17 quintals, leaving many affected farmers without compensation.
Farmers Narrate Their Ordeal
Rajendra Kumar, a farmer from Gudiyani village, claimed that payment for 80 quintals of bajra sold in 2023 was still pending. He further claimed that his son, Basant Kumar, had not received payment for 40 quintals sold under the 2023 scheme and 35 quintals under the 2025 scheme. "We have travelled to Chandigarh several times and met senior officials. Every time, we were informed that funds were unavailable and that payments would be released once the budget was allocated. We have also approached the deputy commissioner on multiple occasions, but the amount has still not been credited," said Rajendra Kumar.
Similar allegations were made by Ratiram, a farmer from Balawas Jamapur village, who claimed that nearly 20 farmers from his village are yet to receive Bajra Bhavantar payments for 2023. "Farmers Aman Kumar, Ajay Kumar and Lalit Kumar, among many others, are still awaiting their dues. We have repeatedly approached district officials and administrative authorities, but no resolution has emerged so far," Ratiram alleged.
Hooda Backs Farmers
Leader of the opposition in the Haryana assembly, Bhupinder Singh Hooda, came out in support of the aggrieved farmers and urged the government to expedite the release of pending payments. Hooda said farmers did not possess the financial capacity to wait for years to receive payments for their produce, particularly when they were required to invest in seeds, fertilisers and other agricultural inputs for the next cropping season. "Farmers cannot afford to wait for three years to receive money for their produce. They have to purchase seeds, fertilisers and other inputs for the next crop cycle. The government should immediately release the pending Bajra Bhavantar payments for 2023 so that farmers can prepare for the upcoming season without financial hardship," Hooda said.
‘Will Get It Examined'
Responding to the allegations, Rewari deputy commissioner Abhishek Meena said payments under government welfare schemes were transferred directly into beneficiaries' bank accounts. "Payments are credited directly to farmers' accounts. However, I am not aware of the specifics of this particular case at the moment. I will have the matter examined," said Meena.
Pressure on Government
The controversy has once again drawn attention to concerns over delays in government payments to farmers at a time when agricultural input costs continue to rise, and weather-related losses have added to financial pressures in rural areas. Farmer organisations have urged the Haryana government to immediately release pending dues, review cases involving unapproved gate passes and ensure timely compensation for crop losses, while the district administration has assured that the claims will be verified and the matter examined.
