PM Kisan Yojana Pushes for Direct Fertilizer Subsidy Transfer to Farmers
Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chauhan recently urged for the direct transfer of fertilizer subsidies to farmers' accounts through the Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) system, aiming to enhance farmers' purchasing transparency and decision-making power. The government has already allocated Rs 1.7 trillion in subsidies, yet ongoing challenges in farmers' access to support remain a concern.
Highlights
- •Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chauhan advocates for the direct transfer of fertilizer subsidies to farmers' bank accounts under the Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) system.
- •The DBT system will provide farmers with more flexibility and transparency when purchasing fertilizers, as subsidy costs are significantly reduced from the actual price.
- •The government aims to provide Rs 1.7 trillion in fertilizer subsidies to farmers through this initiative, yet significant challenges persist in actual farmer access.
- •Mechanization and modern irrigation techniques such as drip and sprinkler irrigation are emphasized for increasing agricultural productivity and sustainability.
Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chauhan has emphasized the urgent need to transfer the annual fertilizer subsidy of Rs 1.7 lakh crore directly to farmers' bank accounts. This initiative would grant farmers greater freedom and transparency in purchasing fertilizers as the actual cost of urea is around 2,400 rupees but can often be accessed for as low as 265-270 rupees with government subsidies.
Currently, the subsidy goes directly to fertilizer companies, but under the Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) system, the government aims to ensure that the actual benefit reaches the intended recipients. The minister highlighted the benefits of the DBT system, which allows farmers to choose the type and quantity of fertilizers more effectively.
To make this benefit more accessible, the government has already provided a fertilizer subsidy of Rs 1.7 trillion to farmers. However, despite the high subsidies, many farmers continue to struggle with accessing these subsidies on the ground. In an effort to bridge this gap, the Agriculture Minister stressed the importance of farm mechanization and modern irrigation techniques, such as drip irrigation, sprinkler irrigation, and polyhouse systems.
Chauhan also underlined the importance of the Kisan Credit Card scheme, which currently provides loans to 75% of India's small farmers at an interest rate of 4%. This initiative underscores the government's commitment to ensure timely and accessible credit to small farmers, recognizing that the goal is to provide not just loans but also timely support for their agricultural activities.
To this end, the minister has announced that the three-day Pusa Mela event will be further expanded to become a year-round initiative. By bringing agricultural technology directly to the farmers, the government aims to equip them with the tools necessary for productive and sustainable farming practices.
