BHOPAL : The state government may have stopped distribution of bonus to the farmers at the behest of Central government, but farmers would be given financial help in some other way. Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chauhan is getting ‘Kisan Mahapanchayat’ organised at CM House soon. He is expected to announce on this occasion how the state government would extend the financial help to farmers. The state government has decided to distribute Rs 1350 crore among farmers in the state.
There is contemplation on three options of giving of financial help to farmers in place of giving of bonus. Chauhan would finalise his decision after discussion with officials of agriculture department in a couple of days.
As the first option, there is consideration on giving subsidy on fertilizers to farmers. They may be given discount on fertilizers and other products. There are several farmers, who despite availing zero per cent interest loan, are not able to deposit the principal amount of loan. There is mulling on giving relaxation on principal loan amount to such farmers. The government is also seriously considering sharing of some amount of premium under Krishi Bima Yojana so that farmers could be extended the benefit of insurance.
After Central government issuing directives not to give bonus, there was consideration on whether farmers should be given financial help or not. Finance Department was also not in favour of giving of bonus in some other form to the farmers.
Chauhan finally has decided that the farmers would be given financial help in proportion to the bonus they were entitled to get.
