Agri dept to support 42.37L farmers under Krishak Bandhu

Kolkata: The state Agriculture department has so far given approval to ensure financial support to 42.37 lakh farmers under Krishak Bandhu Prakalpa, under which farmers with one or more acre landholding get assistance of Rs 5,000 per annum in Rabi and Kharif seasons.

Krishak Bandhu Prakalpa is one of the dream projects of Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee. Besides giving financial assistance to carry out agricultural activities, Rs 2 lakh compensation is also given to family members in case of death of a farmer in the 18-60 age group.

Asish Banerjee, the state Agriculture minister, said: "Approval has been given to ensure financial support for agriculture purpose to around 42.37 lakh farmers. Out of the same, 39 lakh farmers have already received the benefits. The remaining will be receiving the same within a very short period of time. At the same time, family members of the deceased farmers have also received the benefits."

Usually, the financial assistance is given to farmers in two phases. In a bid to ensure that farmers can reap benefits of the project, mainly when they have faced trouble due to inclement weather, the state Agriculture department has helped the farmers by giving the entire amount in one single phase itself.

Recently, Banerjee went to Khargram in Murshidabad and distributed cheques among farmers.

The state Agriculture department also carries out periodical reviews of implementation of the scheme

and takes necessary steps as and when required to ensure that farmers do not face any inconvenience in availing

the same.