The Rajiv Gandhi Kisan Nyay Yojana, launched in May 2020 in the state of Chhattisgarh, aims to provide financial assistance to farmers who have suffered losses due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The scheme has been rolled out to support the agriculture sector, which serves as the backbone of the state’s economy and has been severely impacted by the ongoing health crisis.
The benefits of the Rajiv Gandhi Kisan Nyay Yojana include the provision of a cash transfer of Rs 10,000 per acre to farmers who have cultivated paddy and Rs 13,000 per acre to farmers who have grown sugarcane. This will help farmers overcome the financial burden of crop failure, low yields, and reduced income, which has been exacerbated by the lockdowns and disruptions in the supply chain due to the pandemic.
In addition, the scheme also aims to increase the income of farmers by providing them with incentives to increase production. A bonus of Rs 1,500 per quintal will be given to farmers who sell their produce of sugarcane, maize, and wheat through cooperative societies. This will encourage farmers to sell their crops through organized channels, which will help eliminate intermediaries and ensure that they receive fair prices for their produce.
Another notable benefit of the Rajiv Gandhi Kisan Nyay Yojana is the creation of employment opportunities for rural youth. The scheme includes a provision for the establishment of custom hiring centers for machinery like tractors, thrashers, and harvesters. This will not only provide employment to the youth but also promote mechanization in agriculture, which will increase productivity and reduce the cost of farming.
The scheme is expected to benefit more than 19 lakh farmers in the state, including 12 lakh small and marginal farmers. The scheme aims to provide a total assistance of Rs 5,700 crore to farmers. The state government has taken significant steps to ensure the timely payment of the financial aid to the beneficiaries, which will go a long way in alleviating the stress and uncertainty faced by farmers.
In conclusion, the Rajiv Gandhi Kisan Nyay Yojana is a well-thought-out scheme that addresses the challenges faced by farmers in the state due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The scheme provides financial aid, encourages production, promotes mechanization, and creates employment opportunities for rural youth. The scheme not only provides short-term relief to farmers but also lays the foundation for long-term growth and development of the agriculture sector in the state.