Rajasthan Chief Minister Announces Rs 150 Bonus on Wheat Procurement Over MSP
In a significant move to bolster farmer support, Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma declared on Sunday that the state government will provide a bonus of Rs 150 per quintal on wheat procurement over the Minimum Support Price (MSP). This announcement was made during an interaction with farmers in Hanumangarh, where the initiative was warmly welcomed by the agricultural community.
CM Sharma Engages with Farmers on Key Issues
Chief Minister Sharma was in Hanumangarh to attend a state-level programme commemorating International Women's Day. Following the event, he held detailed discussions with farmers from Sriganganagar and Hanumangarh, addressing critical concerns such as irrigation, canal systems, electricity supply, and various agriculture schemes. He emphasized the government's commitment to enhancing irrigation facilities and resolving water-related disputes with neighboring states.
"Large-scale projects are being implemented to develop water resources," Sharma stated. "These efforts will ensure that farmers in Hanumangarh and Sriganganagar receive more irrigation water in the future."
Comprehensive Welfare Measures for Farmers
Highlighting the state's broader welfare initiatives, Sharma outlined several key measures designed to support farmers:
- A subsidy of Rs 5 per litre for milk producers to boost dairy farming.
- Interest-free short-term crop loans totaling Rs 50,000 crore to alleviate financial burdens.
- Subsidies on agricultural equipment to reduce farming costs.
- An additional Rs 3,000 provided by the state government, supplementing the Rs 6,000 given by the Centre under the Kisan Samman Nidhi scheme.
He also assured farmers of transparency in the implementation of the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana and confirmed that adequate fertiliser stocks are available across Rajasthan to meet agricultural needs.
Security Arrangements Handled by Women Police
Earlier at the International Women's Day programme in Hanumangarh, a notable aspect was the security arrangements, which were entirely managed by women police personnel. This move underscored the state's focus on gender empowerment and safety, aligning with the day's theme of celebrating women's contributions.
The announcement of the wheat bonus and other farmer-centric schemes reflects the Rajasthan government's proactive approach to addressing agricultural challenges and improving rural livelihoods, with a clear emphasis on sustainable development and support for the farming sector.
