Govt to soon announce relief packages to farmers: Lyngdoh

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaAugust 19, 2020

Agriculture Minister, Banteidor Lyngdoh on Wednesday said the state government has decided to provide an interest subvention of 2 percent to farmers, who are availing loans under Kisan Credit Card program.  

“The state government will provide an interest subvention of 2 percent to farmers in the state,” Lyngdoh told reporters after convening a meeting with a delegation of farmers’ association to discuss the problems faced by them due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

He however said there has been a decrease in the number of farmers availing the KCC loan, this year.

Asked, the minister said there has been no proposal from the state government to waive off the loans taken by the farmers.

“There is no such proposal as the loans were taken before the pandemic situation. However, we have held meetings with the different banks requesting them to relax the period for farmers to clear the loans,” he said.

Meanwhile, the minister informed that the meeting has resolved not to celebrate the year of the farmers due to COVID-19. He however said the state government will also soon announce various relief packages including distribution of power tillers for the farmers in the state.  

“We have also decided to work together to promote the welfare of the farmers,” he said.

On the alleged harassment faced by vehicles transporting agricultural products, Lyngdoh said he would take up this matter seriously to ensure plying of such vehicles are not disturbed.

“I will convey this message to the state DGP to ensure such vehicles who have obtained proper passes from the district authorities should not be disturbed,” he said.