Distribution of Kits among Farmers by Agriculture Department

The process of disbursement of subsidy among farmers who had purchased wheat seed through the state agriculture department, has commenced with the state government disbursing the amount to the chief agriculture officers (CAO) of the districts.

After receiving the first instalment of Rs 80 lakh from the state headquarters, this was confirmed by Amritsar CAO Balwinder Singh Chinna. He said “This amount will be deposited into the individual accounts of the seed purchasers after they deposit a copy of the purchase or sale receipt with the district agriculture office.”

Agriculture officials admitted that while farmers were quick to fill in applications for getting the seed at subsidised rates, the process of purchase was rather slow. They said “This is because the farmers have to make the full payment at the time of purchase with the subsidy coming later into their accounts. A number of farmers, especially those with small land holdings lack the finances to make the full payment.”

Punjab Agriculture director, Gurdial Singh said, “We have distributed 300 kits. Each kit contains wheat seed, nutrients and insecticides. These kits have been given to small farmers who have lands between 1 to 1.5 acres. Total 5,300 kits will be distributed in 123 districts of Punjab.”

Source:http://www.hindustantimes.com