New Delhi. Cooperation Minister Amit Shah said that the central government has implemented several farmer-friendly policies in the first 100 days of its third term, focusing on improving agricultural productivity and exports. Shah said in a press conference that the government has implemented policies worth Rs 15 lakh crore in 14 sectors in its first 100 days. The minister highlighted the major achievements of the agriculture sector, including the distribution of Rs 20,000 crore to 9.5 crore farmers under the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN) scheme.
Shah said, “We have distributed the 70th installment under PM-Kisan. So far, Rs 3 lakh crore has been distributed to 12.33 crore farmers.” An annual benefit of Rs 6,000 is given under the PM-Kisan scheme which is deposited directly into the bank accounts of eligible farmers through the Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) system. The minister said that agricultural policies are being implemented keeping in mind the welfare and prosperity of the farming community. He said, “This will boost the country’s food grain production and export, which will improve the condition of farmers.”
Highlighting the government’s commitment to farmers, Shah said, “The (Prime Minister Narendra) Modi-led government has purchased more crops at MSP compared to the UPA (United Progressive Alliance) regime. This shows that the NDA (National Democratic Alliance) government is committed to farmers.” He said the minimum support price (MSP) for 2024-25 kharif (summer) crops has been increased. The minister said sugar mills are being converted into ‘multi-feed distilleries’ to boost ethanol production.
He said, “Now mills can make ethanol not only from sugarcane juice but also from corn. When sugarcane juice is needed to make sugar in the country, then ethanol will be made from corn. When sugar production is high, then ethanol will be made from sugar juice. “The minister said that the minimum export price (MEP) on onion and basmati rice has been abolished to boost exports. Shah said that these policies are part of the government’s comprehensive strategy to enhance farmer welfare and boost India’s agricultural exports.
