Arunachal CM Pema Khandu asks BJP workers to popularise Agri schemes among farmers

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ITANAGAR: Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu Saturday called upon the BJP workers to widely publicize two flagship programmes - Atma Nirbhar Krishi Yojna and 'Atma Nirbhar Bagwani Yojna', which he claimed to be game-changers for the state's rural economy. Laying the foundation of a BJP block here in Namsai district, Khandu urged the party workers to become the bridge between the government and the rural masses.

He stressed taking the schemes to the farmers and encourage them as well as help them avail themselves of the benefits, an official communiqué informed here.

These are front-ended subsidized schemes with 45 percent govt subsidy, 45 per cent bank loan and only 10 per cent individual investment from the farmers. No land document like Land Possession Certificate (LPC) would be required for self-help groups (SHGs) availing the schemes. A simple certificate from the concerned extra assistant commissioner (EAC), Circle Officer (CO) or Block Development Officer (BDO) would serve the purpose.

Khandu expressed optimism that the schemes would be very much beneficial to about 3700 SHGs of the state, Khandu advised grassroots party workers to reach out to SHGs of their respective regions, who may not yet be aware of the schemes. The chief minister hinted at another path-breaking initiative oil palm cultivation, which is in the pipeline and that would also have a positive impact on farmer's income.

He informed that about Rs 6000 crore would be invested by the Centre on oil palm cultivation in the North East and expected Arunachal Pradesh to be benefited the most.

Allaying fears of negative impact on the environment, he asserted that no forest land would be destroyed while implementing the scheme. "Only wastelands, which are abundant along the foothills will be utilized for oil palm cultivation. We will have to be patient and wait for a few years to reap its benefits, which will be massive," Khandu claimed. Earlier, the chief minister launched the BJP's Health Volunteers Program, wherein health volunteers equipped with medical kits would reach out to people in far-flung areas to be aware, help and counsel them on Covid-19.

He also distributed free ration to the needy under the PM's Garib Kalyan Anna Yojna and inaugurated an exhibition stall on the life and achievements of Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the site of the BJP office. The day also marked the birth anniversary of Pandit Deendayal Upadhyaya. BJP is celebrating 'Sevaaur Samarpan Abhiyan' across the country from September 17 to October 7 to commemorate Modi's birthday and his 20 years of active political service to the people.

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