ARUNACHAL CM STATEMENT
Chief Minister Pema Khandu of Arunachal Pradesh has launched two schemes linked to credit to boost the agriculture and horticulture sectors and double farmer incomes. For the selection of beneficiaries for the schemes, Mr. Khandu said that state- and district-level committees have been set up.
According to him, the district-level committees consisting of vice-commissioner, district agriculture officer, and district horticulture officer would select and submit the beneficiaries’ names for approval to the State-level committees.
Khandu called upon the officials of both departments to adhere to the timelines for implementation of the schemes, explaining that Agriculture and Horticulture are both seasonal departments that deal with seasonal schemes.
In Arunachal Pradesh, 25 lakh acres are arable land, but only 2.5 lakh acres have been utilized. Khandu says that if the remaining area is exploited, the sectors will improve dramatically.
NERAMAC (North Eastern Regional Agricultural Marketing Corporation Limited) is currently under revival in accordance with the vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi for the development of agriculture and horticulture in the northeast.
Khandu said that the revival of the regional marketing board will be of great benefit to farmers in that region.
In addition, he said that the Union Cabinet has approved an outlay of Rs 10,040 crore for the palm oil mission.“The slow growth of oil palm cultivation in the State was caused by the lack of commitment from the promoters to set up processing factories, which had led to a loss of confidence among the farmers. The Chief Minister cancelled an agreement with one of the promoters and called meetings with the others to fast track the mission.
Mr. Khandu urged banks to support State farmers by providing loans in their enterprises. He said banks should aim to improve the credit-deposit ratio, which can only be achieved by providing loans.
DEPUTY CM STATEMENT
At the event, Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein urged MLAs not to interfere in the process of selecting recipients. He said deputy commissioners should select true beneficiaries. We should endeavour to produce such planting materials in the State and choose quality planting materials. Arunachal should be developed as the fruit bowl of the region, as well as a suitable land for cultivation on account of the favourable climatic conditions,” Mr Mein said. Both schemes will be implemented with a government subsidy, bank credit, and beneficiary contribution in the ratio of 45:45:10, for which *60 crores has been allotted for each sector.
SECRETORY STATEMENT ABOUT TWO SCHEME
Agriculture and Horticulture Secretary Bidol Tayeng said that the government has earmarked a subsidy amount of ₹60 crores against the newly launched Atma Nirbhar Krishi Yojana (ANKY) in the agriculture sector and another ₹60 crores against the Atma Nirbhar Bagwani Yojana (ANBY) in the horticulture sector under the credit-linked schemes.”
With both schemes, growers and producers in the State have the opportunity to earn appropriate returns by providing end-to-end holistic services covering pre-production, production, post-harvest management, processing, and marketing. The schemes were designed to promote credit discipline and encourage the banking sector to support agricultural and horticultural activities on the ground while also ensuring the timely availability of funds.
BUDGET OF THE SCHEME
Farmers can use the scheme individually as well as through self-help groups or Farmer Producers Organizations (FPOs). No collateral or bank guarantees will be needed if an individual farmer purchases the scheme up to or including *1.6 lakh.
Applicants should apply at the district deputy commissioner office in their respective districts for the scheme, which will be distributed throughout the State. A total of about 300 crores is expected to be invested in the sector, with a subsidy component of around ₹120 crores.
The state government also signed Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) with Arunachal Pradesh Rural Bank, State Cooperative Apex Bank and State Bank of India to provide loans to farmers and SHGs during the launch of the schemes.