Lok Sabha Question No. 1394 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2020-09-20
Subject: Farmers Distress
Ministry: AGRICULTURE AND FARMERS WELFARE
Asked by: D.K. Suresh, Mohammad Jawed, Jasbir Singh Gill

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE AND FARMERS WELFARE DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE, COOPERATION AND FARMERS WELFARE

## LOK  SABHA

## UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 1394

TO BE ANSWERED ON THE 20 TH  SEPTEMBER, 2020

## FARMERS DISTRESS

1394.    SHRI D.K.SURESH: DR.MOHAMMAD JAWED: SHRI JASBIR SINGH GILL:

Will the Minister of AGRICULTURE AND FARMERS WELFARE कृ ष एवं कसान कयाण मंी be pleased to state:

- (a) whether the Government is aware that the farmers are in big distress due to the situation developed after the lockdown in the country and if so, the details thereof; and
- (b) whether the Government is aware that the farmers are not able to sell the products and not able to find an income even for loan repayment and if so, the response of the Government in this regard?

## ANSWER

## MINISTER OF AGRICULTURE AND FARMERS WELFARE

कृ ष एवं कसान कयाण मंी (SHRI NARENDRA SINGH TOMAR)

(a)   During the lockdown the agriculture sector had functioned smoothly.  Government of India has taken all necessary measures to ensure smooth sowing operations during premonsoon  and  monsoon  period.    All  the  necessary  exemptions  for  agri-activities  were allowed  during  lockdown.    Summer  sowing  was  higher  compared  to  last  year.    Wheat Procurement in Rabi 2020 increased by 39%.  More procurement centres were opened for smooth procurement during the lockdown.

- (b): As part of Aatmanirbhar Bharat, Government has promulgated to ordinances, viz.
-  The Farmers Produce Trade and Commerce (Promotion and Facilitation) Ordinance, 2020 This will allow liberal trade, provide more options to farmer for sale of their farming produce, promote barrier free inter-state and Intra State trade.
-  The  Farmer  (Empowerment  and  Protection)  agreement  on  Price  Assurance  and Farm  Service  Ordinance,  2020.  The  main  objectives  of  the  Farming  Agreement Ordinance  are  -  risk mitigation for farmers, equity or inclusiveness, public accountability and innovation.

Under  the  Pradhan  Mantri  Kisan  Samman  Nidhi  (PM-KISAN)  Scheme  since inception and as on 15/09/2020 about 10.19 crore farmer families have been benefitted and  an  amount  of  Rs.94,1305  crore  was  released.  During  the  period  of  lock  down,  an amount of around Rs. 410,86 crores (as on 15-09-2020) has been disbursed to various beneficiaries under the Scheme covering various instalments.

The  Government  had  provided  the  facility  of  Kisan  Credit  Card  to  the  farmers  to invest in crops and animal husbandry and fisheries. Now the beneficiary farmers of PMKISAN Scheme are also getting the facilities of Kisan Credit Card. There is no mortgage required to avail loan up to Rs1.60 lakh.

Under  Pradhan  Mantri  Fasal  Bima  Yojana  (PMFBY),  total  claims  of  Rs  5,326.7 crores  were  paid  during  lockdown  period,  PMFBY  was  made  more  efficient  and  farmer friendly  and  made  voluntary  for  all  farmers.  Government  of  lndia  will  now  bear  90%  of premium subsidy liability for North Eastern States instead of 50% earlier. Further benefit of 2% lnterest  subvention  (lS)  to  Banks  and  3%  Prompt  Repayment  lncentive  (PRI)  to  all farmers for all crop loans up to Rs. 3 lakhs given by banks was extended till 31/08/2020.

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