(a) whether the Government is aware that the farmers are in big distress due to the situation developed after the lockdown in the country and if so, the details thereof; and
(b) whether the Government is aware that the farmers are not able to sell the products and not able to find an income even for loan repayment and if so, the response of the Government in this regard?
MINISTER OF AGRICULTURE AND FARMERS WELFARE
???? ??? ????? ?????? ?????? (SHRI NARENDRA SINGH TOMAR)
(a) During the lockdown the agriculture sector had functioned smoothly. Government of India has taken all necessary measures to ensure smooth sowing operations during pre-monsoon and monsoon period. All the necessary exemptions for agri-activities were allowed during lockdown. Summer sowing was higher compared to last year. Wheat Procurement in Rabi 2020 increased by 39%. More procurement centres were opened for smooth procurement during the lockdown.
(b): As part of Aatmanirbhar Bharat, Government has promulgated to ordinances, viz.
? The Farmers Produce Trade and Commerce (Promotion and Facilitation) Ordinance, 2020 This will allow liberal trade, provide more options to farmer for sale of their farming produce, promote barrier free inter-state and Intra State trade.
? The Farmer (Empowerment and Protection) agreement on Price Assurance and Farm Service Ordinance, 2020. The main objectives of the Farming Agreement Ordinance are – risk mitigation for farmers, equity or inclusiveness, public accountability and innovation.
Under the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN) Scheme since inception and as on 15/09/2020 about 10.19 crore farmer families have been benefitted and an amount of Rs.94,1305 crore was released. During the period of lock down, an amount of around Rs. 410,86 crores (as on 15-09-2020) has been disbursed to various beneficiaries under the Scheme covering various instalments.
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The Government had provided the facility of Kisan Credit Card to the farmers to invest in crops and animal husbandry and fisheries. Now the beneficiary farmers of PM-KISAN Scheme are also getting the facilities of Kisan Credit Card. There is no mortgage required to avail loan up to Rs1.60 lakh.
Under Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY), total claims of Rs 5,326.7 crores were paid during lockdown period, PMFBY was made more efficient and farmer friendly and made voluntary for all farmers. Government of lndia will now bear 90% of premium subsidy liability for North Eastern States instead of 50% earlier. Further benefit of 2% lnterest subvention (lS) to Banks and 3% Prompt Repayment lncentive (PRI) to all farmers for all crop loans up to Rs. 3 lakhs given by banks was extended till 31/08/2020.
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