Govt Mulling Monetary Farm Packages Ahead of 2019 General Polls
BJP President Amit Shah had earlier met Modi to discuss farmers’ issues.
Under attack for the agrarian crisis, the government is contemplating several incentives, including a big financial package, to woo farmers ahead of the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, sources told PTI.
The government's likely announcement of incentives to boost rural incomes will come following feedback given by BJP leaders and MPs, besides other stakeholders, they added.
Sources said the Agriculture Ministry has prepared a road map and made a presentation to Prime Minister Narendra Modi suggesting both short- and long-term "sustainable" solutions to various issues that are impacting farmers and causing agricultural distress in the country.
BJP President Amit Shah had met Modi earlier to discuss the farmers' issues.
Senior BJP leaders, including Union ministers, have been holding consultations over the matter. Shah also met Agriculture Minister Radha Mohan Singh late on Thursday, 27 December, though there was no official word on what transpired in the meeting.
The ministry has studied various state models, including loan waivers announced in seven states, input subsidies being given in states such as Odisha, and the 'Rythu Bandhu' scheme of Telangana, among others.
"In the meeting with the PM, the ministry made a presentation and the discussions revolved around the key issues facing the farming community and the possible solutions that can be provided before general elections," a highly placed source said.
The ruling BJP was defeated in Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan and Chhattisgarh in the recent state polls, where rural distress was a key factor.
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