In a significant move to support farmers, Haryana Chief Minister, Nayab Singh Saini on Thursday said that the state government will provide a bonus of Rs 2000 per acre for Kharif and horticultural crops.
This decision, made during a Cabinet meeting, underscored the government’s commitment to prioritizing farmers’ interests. The one-time bonus is expected to cost the government Rs 1300 crore.
Divulging more details in this regard, the Chief Minister, while addressing the media persons after the Cabinet meeting said that the present central and state governments have always made decisions in the interest of farmers.
He further shared that from June 4 to July 29 this year, only 87 millimeters of rainfall was received, leading farmers to spend more on tube wells and other resources. Due to the additional costs for crop production, the cost of crops has increased. Therefore, the government has made this significant decision in favour of the farmers.
Nayab Singh Saini said that he is the son of a poor farmer and understands the plight of farmers well. During the Kharif season, our food growers faced many difficulties. The government has decided to provide a one time bonus of Rs 2000 per acre for all Kharif crops, as well as fruits, flowers, and other crops. Even small farmers with less than one acre of land would receive Rs 2000 as a bonus, said the Chief Minister.
He said that last year, there were 48.6 millimeters of rain in May, 86.6 millimeters in June, and 265 millimeters in July, but this year there was less rainfall. In the interest of the farmers, today’s cabinet meeting unanimously decided to provide the bonus. In a previous cabinet meeting, they had also discontinued the levy of British-era Abiana.
He appealed to farmers who have not yet registered their crops on the “Meri Fasal Mera Byora” portal to complete their registration by August 15, 2024.
Nayab Singh Saini also criticised former Chief Minister, Bhupinder Singh Hooda, accusing him of politicising every issue and misleading people with false statements. He said that Hooda had ignored the Swaminathan Commission’s recommendations during his tenure and now speaks of farmer welfare. The Chief Minister asserted that the Congress has neither the policy nor the intention to do anything for farmers.
The Chief Minister said that the government is continuously making decisions for public welfare, whether for farmers, employees, or media personnel.
Assuring the same benefits for Vinesh Phogat equivalent to an Olympic Silver Medalist, the Chief Minister said that ace wrestler Vinesh Phogat is the daughter of Haryana, and we are very proud of her performance in the Olympics. Vinesh Phogat has not only made Haryana proud but has also brought glory to the entire Nation at the international level.
He said that regardless of any reason she may not have been able to play in the Olympic final, she is a champion for all of us. Therefore, the Haryana government has decided to award Vinesh Phogat with the same rewards and benefits as an Olympic silver medalist.
He also congratulated and extended best wishes to Manu Bhaker and Sarabjot Singh for winning medals in the Olympics.
Additional Chief Secretary, Finance Department, Anurag Rastogi, Director General, Information, Public Relations, Language, and Culture Department, Mandip Singh Brar, Media Secretary, Praveen Attrey, and other officers remained present on this occasion.