DIMAPUR, JULY 5 (MExN): The Union Ministry of Agriculture has accepted the proposal of the Government of Nagaland to implement the Prime Minister Kisan Samman Nidhi (Farmer's Welfare Scheme) in accordance with the unique landholding system of the Nagas.
This was informed in a press release from Aaronto Jimomi, Press Secretary to Nagaland State Minister for Agriculture, G Kaito Aye.
On June 2, the Nagaland Minister for Agriculture and Cooperation, G. Kaito Aye tabled the proposal in a meeting chaired by the Union Minister of Agriculture Narendra Singh Tomar at Krishi Bhawan, New Delhi. The meeting was attended by representatives of the Government of India including Secretary, Agriculture; Secretary, DONER; and Secretary, Land Resources. Additional Secretary of Agriculture, Government of Nagaland, Temsunaro Aier, and Nagaland State Nodal Officer for the PM-KISAN scheme, Letkholal Hangshing accompanied Minister Kaito.
In keeping with the landholding system practiced in Nagaland, where land is largely owned by the community/clan/khel or chieftains (in the case of some tribes), the Nagaland State Minister for Agriculture had proposed that all the beneficiaries individual farmers of the PM-KISAN scheme in Nagaland, maybe certified by respective villages' councils or by village chiefs in particular cases, duly verified by administrative head of the Block/Division/District and countersigned by the Deputy Commissioners of respective districts.
The proposal was discussed threadbare and after long deliberation and consideration, it was accepted by all members present in the meeting, the press release informed.
It may be noted that the PM-KISAN scheme has been launched by the Government of India with the objective to supplement the financial needs of the farmers in procuring various inputs to ensure proper crop health and appropriate yields, commensurate with the anticipated farm income. It is a Central Sector scheme with 100% funding from the Centre.
Under the scheme, income support of Rs.6000 per year in three equal installments will be provided to small and marginal farmer families having combined landholding/ownership of upto 2 hectares. State Government and UT Administration will identify the farmer families which are eligible for support as per scheme guidelines. The fund will be directly transferred to the bank accounts of the beneficiaries.
