While replying to a motion moved by opposition members under Rule 293, Jaiswal said the government's goal is to reduce farmer suicides to zero, and extensive efforts are being made through various schemes to support farmers and enhance the agricultural sector
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The Maharashtra government will soon launch a new scheme to provide social security to agricultural labourers, Minister of State for Agriculture Ashish Jaiswal told the assembly on Thursday, reported news agency PTI.
While replying to a motion moved by opposition members under Rule 293, Jaiswal said the government's goal is to reduce farmer suicides to zero, and extensive efforts are being made through various schemes to support farmers and enhance the agricultural sector.
"There are 1.71 crore farmers in the state. The government is firmly behind them during crises. So far, Rs 69,889 crore has been spent on farmer welfare through schemes like Namo Shetkari Samman Yojana, Crop Insurance Scheme, agricultural mechanisation programs, and the Gopinath Munde Shetkari Sanugrah Grant Yojana," Jaiswal said, reported PTI.
He informed the House that Rs 56,293 crore has been disbursed under Namo Shetkari Samman Yojana in the last three years, while Rs 19,310 crore was spent through the Chief Minister Baliraja Electricity Subsidy Scheme, including for SC/ST farmers.
"Rs 16,389 crore was provided through the Crop Insurance Scheme and Rs 19,592 crore has been disbursed as compensation for crop damage," he said, reported PTI.
To further enrich the agricultural sector, the government is promoting the cultivation of export-oriented crops and has categorized crops based on asset and liability value, Jaiswal added.
The lottery system for benefits under agriculture schemes has been discontinued, with assistance now being given on a first-come, first-served basis, he said.
Outlays for high-demand schemes will be increased, and a survey will be conducted to identify farmers' needs, Jaiswal said.
"A new wildlife crop protection policy is being developed. Subsidies and support will be extended to farmers affected by wild animal intrusion and natural disasters. A plan to construct 45,000 km of paddy roads is in the pipeline. The government will invest Rs 5,000 crore in agriculture due to reduced costs from the revamped Re 1 crop insurance scheme," he said, reported PTI.
An AI-based policy worth Rs 500 crore will be implemented for crop management and pest control, while fast-tracked Panchnama surveys will be conducted using MR SAC satellite data, the minister told the House.
"Special officers will be appointed in each taluka to address fertilizer linkage issues. Organic and natural farming is also being encouraged to reduce the state's subsidy burden on chemical fertilizers," Jaiswal said, reported PTI.
(With inputs from PTI)
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