Thiruvananthapuram : The bank loan given to farmers in lieu of paddy procurement is not farmer’s burden. Rather, it is repaid by the government, said Minister GR Anil. There are misleading propaganda in this regard, the minister said. The loans are given in this fashion so the farmers get paid at an early time, the Minister clarified.
The government approach is to reach out to farmers including in procurement of rice. The Centre owings in this regard is Rs 637.6 crores for period extending from 2018-19 up to 2023. People should have a clear idea of this, the minister said.
Unlike in other states, the government here makes interventions so the farmers get maximum price for their produce. When paddy is procured it takes six to eight months to recover the Central government share involved, the minister said.
