In an effort to alleviate the burden of loans faced by small and marginal farmers, landless laborers, and farmers from weaker sections, the Rajasthan government is taking steps to prevent the auction of their land. According to a government official, a new bill will be drafted within a month to address this issue. The bill will establish a loan relief commission, providing much-needed support to those who need it most.
The Rajasthan Farmers Loan Relief Act is intended to stop the auction of land belonging to small and marginal farmers, providing them with much-needed protection. The act will also set up a loan relief commission, which will provide assistance to farmers struggling with the burden of loans. This will go a long way in helping them get back on their feet and continue their farming operations without fear of losing their land.
In a departmental meeting organized in connection with the implementation of the 2023-24 budget announcement, Principal Secretary (Cooperative) Shreya Guha directed officials to prepare the Rajasthan Farmers Loan Relief Act within a month. She also instructed the registrar cooperative to form a committee immediately in this regard. The government is taking decisive action to support its farmers, recognizing the important role they play in the state's economy.
The 2023-24 budget includes an interest-free crop loan of Rs 22,000 crore to be distributed to farmers in the state. Additionally, interest-free loans worth Rs 3,000 crore will be provided to 1.50 lakh people in rural areas for non-agricultural sectors such as handicrafts, small-scale industries, spinning-weaving, dyeing-printing, and shops. This shows the government's commitment to supporting all sectors of the economy, not just agriculture.
In addition to the loan relief commission, the government is taking other steps to support farmers in the state. For example, all 7,282 Primary Agricultural Credit Society (PACS) in the state will be computerized. In the first phase, 1963 PACS were selected. This will make it easier for farmers to access credit and other services, helping them grow their businesses.
Furthermore, the government plans to increase the storage capacity of cooperative societies by constructing godowns in purchase and sale cooperative societies and village service cooperative societies. This will help farmers store their crops safely, ensuring that they can get the best possible prices for their produce.
By establishing a loan relief commission and taking other steps to support farmers, the government is ensuring that they have the resources and support that is needed to continue to contribute to the state's growth and development.
