Chandigarh, Oct 10
Farmers in Punjab will get free wheat seeds of Rs 44.40 crore from the Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led Central government, state BJP General Secretary Anil Sarin said on Friday.
"This timely initiative will serve as a lifeline for those preparing for the upcoming rabi season after facing severe crop losses due to floods," he said.
Given under the Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (RKVY), he said, it would ensure that farmers owning less than five acres would receive Punjab Agricultural University (PAU)-recommended wheat seeds free of cost.
"Helping farmers in this crucial time as flood-hit Punjab struggles to recover, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has extended a major relief package through the free distribution of certified wheat seeds to small and marginal farmers," said Sarin.
Expressing gratitude to Prime Minister Modi and the Central government for extending timely and comprehensive assistance to Punjab's flood-affected farmers, he appreciated the Centre's consistent support, highlighting how the Modi government has ensured the increase of MSP for crops, regular Kisan Samman Nidhi transfers, and continuous coordination with the state machinery to safeguard farmers' interests.
"While the Punjab government failed to protect farmers during the floods, it is the Modi government that has once again come forward as their true guardian. The Centre's assistance has helped restore hope among lakhs of affected farming families."
Reiterating BJP's commitment to the state farmers, Sarin added that the Modi government's recent steps prove its dedication not only to flood relief but also to long-term agricultural resilience and farmer welfare.
Earlier, Punjab's ruling Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) reacted to the statement of Governor Gulab Chand Kataria, who said that the state government is treating the State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF) as its own fund and that no change in the rules on its usage is possible.
AAP spokesperson Neel Garg had termed the Governor's statement and the Centre's stance as unnecessary, noting, in a statement, that the SDRF is essentially the State Disaster Relief Fund (SDRF). Garg had stressed the statements of the Home Ministry and the Governor only indicated that the Centre "is not in the mood to change the SDRF rules".
Advising the Centre to abandon its stubborn attitude, he had said that "if we truly want to help the people, then the rules must be amended as per present needs".
He had urged the Central government to think like a people-oriented government and to amend the rules without any delay in order to help the people of Punjab.
— IANS
Reader Comments
This is good news but why only for farmers with less than 5 acres? Many medium farmers also suffered huge losses. The government should consider expanding this scheme. Still, better than nothing for our annadata.
Why is everything becoming political? Farmers are suffering and both state and central governments should work together. Instead of blaming each other, they should focus on helping people. This political drama helps no one.
As someone who has family in Punjab, I can say this assistance is desperately needed. The floods wiped out entire crops and farmers were staring at huge losses. Timely seeds mean they can at least try for the rabi season. Good initiative!
PAU-recommended seeds are excellent quality! This will ensure good yield for farmers. The central government's support through Kisan Samman Nidhi and now this seed distribution shows consistent commitment to farmer welfare. ðŸ‘
Hope the distribution happens smoothly without any corruption or delays. Farmers have already suffered enough. The administration should ensure seeds reach genuine beneficiaries on time. Fingers crossed! 🤞
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