Chandigarh June 10- Haryana Chief Minister, Sh. Manohar Lal clarified that the government will take a positive decision for the sunflower farmers. A detailed study about the market rate is going on, and once this process is done, we will make a pivotal announcement.
While addressing a press conference held here today, Sh. Manohar digitally released an amount of Rs. 29,13,12, 000 as 'interim bharpai' to 8528 sunflower farmers for an area of 36414 acres and gave a clear and strong message that some people are trying to create confusion among the farmers claiming that his government does not care for the farmers.
"I would like to clarify and even challenge that be it centre or state government the kind of pro-farmer friendly policies we have launched and the financial aid we are giving is nowhere in comparison with the previous governments", said Sh. Manohar Lal.
He said that Prime Minister, Sh. Narendra Modi has done remarkable work for the welfare of farmers. Increasing MSP every year is a clear indicator that the Prime Minister-led centre government is pro-farmer friendly.
While clarifying the ongoing issue between the sunflower farmers and the Government regarding MSP, the Chief Minister said that when we procured the Millet on MSP, later it was found that the farmers of other states are also selling their Millet crops in our Mandis. This created an issue of interstate smuggling, he added.
"Now a similar possibility is arising in the sunflower procurement, so as a precaution, we have announced the interim bharpai, as the market rates keep fluctuating," asserted the Chief Minister.
"At present, the procurement of sunflower is being done at Rs. 4800, while Punjab is procuring the same at Rs. 4000-4200. So we doubt that Punjab will also procure their crop in our mandis, "informed Sh. Manohar Lal.
The Chief Minister said that the registration was done on 40,000 acres. Later, on the demand of the farmers, the portal was reopened for 3 days, and 17,000 acres were again registered during this period. It was found that the registration was done of that land where some other crops were sown. After verification, about 9000 acres were deleted and verification of 6000 acres is still going on, said Sh. Manohar Lal.
Don't fall prey to those who are misusing farmers for their political vested interests
Urging the farmers not to fall prey to anyone who is trying to mislead them, Sh. Manohar Lal said that some farmer unions and political leaders are defaming the name of farmers by misleading them.
"Blocking highways is not the solution to everything. In a democracy, we can't hinder anyone's freedom. We have done a lot for the farmers. We held positive talks with the farmers. The court order also said that the matter should be resolved amicably. The police followed the court's decision. I urge the farmers that this agitation is not going to help them anyway. The decision would be taken as per the market rate, " said Sh. Manohar Lal.
An amount of Rs. 23500 crores given to farmers as subsidy and compensation
The Chief Minister said that to date an amount of Rs. 23500 crore was given to farmers as subsidy and compensation.
Divulging details about the said amount, he shared that an amount of Rs. 4287 crores was given under the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi Yojana. An amount of Rs. 6189 crore was given under Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana. Further, an amount of Rs. 103 crores was given for stubble management. An amount of Rs. 118 crore has been given for crop diversification, and Rs 883 crore has been given under the bhavantar bharpai yojana.
He further shared that an amount of Rs. 259 crores have been given as a subsidy under the Mukhyamantri Dugdh Utpadak Protasahan yojana. A subsidy of Rs. 226 crores has been given to the sheep and goat Shepherds. For mini dairy of 'Desi' cows, a subsidy of Rs. 83 crores has been given. Other than these subsidies several other benefits are also being given to the farmers, said Sh. Manohar Lal.
The compensation amount in our tenure is 8 times higher than what Congress gave, CM
Comparing the compensation amount given during the present government tenure and Congress, the Chief Minister said that his government has given an amount of Rs. 9790 crore as compensation, while in Congress tenure, the amount was Rs. 1158 crore.
"Unlike Congress, we never gave compensation cheques worth Rs. 2. We ensure a minimum compensation of Rs. 500 to farmers," said Sh. Manohar Lal.
He said that this was the first time that the bhavantar of sunflower crop was done. The procurement of sunflower crops was done in the last 5 years. Earlier, no one thought of procuring this crop said the Chief Minister.
4000 on-farm water tanks are constructed for water storage
Highlighting the list of efforts taken by the government for water storage, the Chief Minister said that 4000 on-farm water tanks have been constructed, which is now proving beneficial for irrigation on 20,000 acres.
"We have also ensured the availability of water at the tail ends, said Sh. Manohar Lal.
The Chief Minister said that an amount of Rs. 1500 crore has been spent on the remodelling and renovation of the canal water system in the last 5 years.
We are still finding the resignation
Taking a dig at the rumours regarding the resignation of MLA, Sh. Ram Karan Kala, the Chief Minister, said no such resignation has reached the government yet.
"We are still finding the resignation. We have not received any resignation from him. Sometimes, such statements are made because of some pressure, said Sh. Manohar Lal.
*Alliance will continue, there is no rift, clarifies CM on alliance rumours *
Responding to a question regarding the rift regarding the BJP- JJP alliance, the Chief Minister said the alliance was done for public welfare and will continue. No change has been made.
Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister, Sh. V. Umashankar and Deputy Principal Secretary to Chief Minister, Sh. K. Makarand Pandurang, Director Agriculture, Sh. Narhari Singh Banger also remained present on this occasion.