Rajasthan CM Launches Scheme to Empower Farmers, Aims for Prosperity

Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma emphasised that the double-engine government prioritises empowering farmers who produce food for the nation. He highlighted various initiatives taken by the state government to support farmers' welfare. Sharma stated that the vision of a developed and prosperous Rajasthan hinges on the prosperity of its farmers.

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Addressing the state-level launch of Mukhyamantri Kisan Samman Nidhi Yojana at Krishi Upaj Mandi in Tonk, Sharma announced that, in addition to the Rs 6,000 provided under Prime Minister Kisan Samman Nidhi, the state government will give an extra Rs 2,000 to farmers. The BJP government had pledged this additional amount in its manifesto.

Financial Support and Subsidies

On Sunday, Rs 653 crore was directly deposited into the accounts of over 65 lakh farmers as the first installment of Rs 1,000 each, according to an official statement. The Chief Minister mentioned that wheat is being purchased at Rs 2,400 per quintal, which includes a bonus of Rs 125 over the support price of Rs 2,275 per quintal.

Sharma also noted that more than 80,000 farmers have received short-term crop loans amounting to Rs 350 crore. Additionally, insurance claims worth about Rs 1,400 crore were distributed under the Prime Minister Crop Insurance Scheme. Furthermore, 9,000 PM Kisan Samriddhi Kendras have been established across the state.

Electricity and Irrigation Initiatives

The Chief Minister highlighted that agricultural electricity connections have been issued to 47,000 farmers. Farmers have also received subsidies exceeding Rs 8,000 crore on their electricity bills. MoUs worth Rs 2.24 lakh crore have been signed to ensure adequate electricity supply and make Rajasthan a power surplus state.

To address water issues in 21 districts, ERCP has been included in the revised Parvati-Kalisindh-Chambal Link Project. An MoU has been signed with the Government of India and Madhya Pradesh to facilitate this initiative. Under Chief Ministers Jal Swavlamban Yojna-2.0, five lakh water storage structures will be built over the next four years.

Renewable Energy and Water Conservation

Around 10,000 solar power plants have been set up in Rajasthan. Drip and mini sprinklers cover 41,000 hectares while sprinkler plants span another 44,000 hectares. These measures aim to enhance irrigation facilities for farmers.

The state plans to collect rainwater by setting up 20,000 farm ponds. This initiative is part of a broader strategy to strengthen agriculture through improved irrigation facilities.

The Chief Minister reiterated his commitment to bolstering agriculture by providing necessary resources and infrastructure. He believes these efforts will lead to a prosperous Rajasthan driven by thriving farmers.