Agriculture Minister Pocharam Srinivas Reddy has announced that crop investment assistance of ₹ 4,000 per acre for Kharif season will be given from April 20 to May-end.
Replying to a query in the Legislative Council here on Monday, Mr. Srinivas Reddy said that 1.42 crore acres of land were under cultivation in the State and over 72 lakh farm accounts, which were clean. Bearer cheques would be given to the farmers. For Rabi season, the amount would be distributed from November 20 onwards.
The four per cent of lands — forest, shikam and lands involved in disputes and legal cases were being resolved under Part-B survey and cheques would be issued as and when those cases were resolved and records updated. The cheques would be issued to farmers in villages as per the pre-announced schedule in the presence of people’s representatives. The farmer could go to any bank and encash the cheque depending on the extent of agricultural land he has and can withdraw the money at once or in instalments as per his requirement. The government is confident that the State would get enough cash in the banks before April for disbursement.
ADVERTISEMENT
The Minister told Council member Bhupati Reddy that cheques would be issued only in the name of pattadars and not in the name of tenant farmers. It was for the pattadar and tenant farmer to decide on how they would share the amount. Several TRS members appreciated the scheme and some already gave up the investment assistance of ₹ 4,000 per acre and that would be used for the welfare of farmers and construction of proposed meeting halls for Farmers Coordination Committees.
Mr. Sinivas Reddy said that meeting halls (Rythu Vedikas) would be constructed in 2,638 clusters and they would serve to mobilise farmers and increase their bargaining power for minimum support price. The meeting halls would be where message would be given to farmers on what crop to cultivate, extent in which to cultivate and which type of seed to be sowed to get better yield and better price for their produce. The Farmers Coordination Committees and 2,638 Agricultural Extension Officers, each manning 5,000 acres would also advise farmers on the right time to sow seeds, he said.