Ahead of the LokSabha polls, the BJP on Friday convened its National Executive meeting at Ramlila ground in New Delhi. Describing Modi government as 'kisanhiteshi' (pro-farmers), the BJP on Friday resolved that farmers are the top-most priority of the ruling dispensation.
Congress Chief Rahul Gandhi sights farm distress to be a key issue for the polls and time and again, the opposition has accused the government for ‘betraying’ farmers.
Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh proposed the resolution on agriculture which was seconded by Maharashtra Chief Minister DevendraFadnavis and BJP farmer wing head Virendra Singh. "Farmers are likely to get 50% more benefit on their produce whereas on crops like urad and bajra the profit will be 96%," Singh informed.
While comparing the present condition of agricultural sector with that of the UPA time, Singh said that the total budget allocation in the sector has almost doubled.
The agriculture resolution praised the ruling party for successfully dealing with issues of farmers' income. The government will not just be able to reach the goal of doubling of farmers' income but would also be looking forward from there. The vision of the BJP is an independent, able, strong and prosperous farmer as annadata (food giver), who will take country's economy to great heights, the resolution said. It mentioned that a total of 17.53 crores soil health cards have been distributed, helping farmers to decide on right fertilizers.
Party’s national general secretary,BhupendraYadav, on addressing a press conference post the convention said that, in case of natural disasters the agriculture sector has got Rs 32,000 crores from National Disaster Relief Fund which is 2.5 times higher than previous government and the allocations made to states is 82% more.
"Earlier, farmers were getting claims for minimum 50% damage to their crops, whereas now, even if there is 33% damage to crops, they are being benefitted,” Yadav quoted.
Highlighting the achievements of the government, Yadav claimed that the food grain production has increased to 11.4% in the last year and the horticulture production has shown 17.55% rise. Budget on agriculture education saw an increase of 55 per cent in 2018-2019 compared to 2013-2014, added Yadav.
