In Rajiv Gandhi memory, CM Bhupesh Baghel government to roll out mega farmer scheme tomorrow

The Bhupesh Baghel government in Chhattisgarh will roll out ‘Rajiv Gandhi Kisan Nyay Yojana’ — a massive scheme aimed at delivering the party’s poll promise of minimum income for farmers and the poor — on the death anniversary of former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi on May 21.
The scheme aims to transfer Rs 5,700 crore, in four instalments, to the accounts of more than 19 lakh farmers.
“The Yojana will have a far-reaching effect as it encourages crop production, besides providing farmers the right price for their produce,” additional chief secretary Subrat Sahoo told TOI.
Baghel will launch the scheme via video-conferencing, along with ministers, public representatives and farmers’ representatives
One of the unique aspects of Rajiv Gandhi Kisan Nyay Yojna is that landless farm labourers have been included in the second phase. A committee, under the chief secretary, is preparing an action plan for this, and is expected to place it before the cabinet in two months.
The state government will provide paddy and maize farmers an assistance of Rs 10,000 per acre from Kharif 2019. An amount of Rs 1,500 crore will be given as first instalment for paddy to over 18 lakh farmers.
Sugarcane farmers will get Rs 261 per quintal and incentive and input support. Under this, 34, 637 farmers of the state will get Rs 73.55 crore in four instalments. The first instalment of Rs. 18.43 crore will be transferred on May 21.
The government will also provide incentive money (outstanding bonus) of Rs 50 per quintal, based on the quantity of sugarcane purchased through cooperative sugar factories, in 2018-19. Under this, Rs 10.27 crore will be given to 24,414 farmers of the state.
Maize farmers will also benefit for their crop acquired in Kharif 2019. Data on maize crop is being collected, based on which they will be paid.
As much as 44% of Chhattisgarh is covered by forest, and 31% of the population are tribals. Forest produce is the major source of income for millions of families in the state. To increase the income of the tribals, the government has hiked tendu leaf collection payment to Rs 4,000 per bag, and raised the number of forest produce purchased on support price from 7 to 25.