As a one-time solution for distressed farmers, Punjab Chief Minister Capt. Amarinder Singh has asked Prime Minister Narendra Modi to consider agriculture loan waiver at national level on priority.
The Chief Minster has also demanded modification in the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojna (PMFBY). Capt. Singh has written letters in this regard to the Prime Minister.
“The relief given by the Punjab government from its limited resources is not adequate and needs to be supplemented by the Centre,” he said, seeking a loan waiver on a national level.
He pointed out that this farmer-friendly initiative would not only contribute to a large extent in reducing the distress but would also help in putting agriculture sector on a path of high-growth trajectory and development with an assurance and hope of better-quality living for the farmers of the country.
“While the recent initiatives of the Central government, including financial assistance under PM-Kisan and Pension to the farmers were praiseworthy, they may not be adequate to mitigate the prevailing economic distress on account of high indebtedness of the Punjab farmers,” he said, adding that the Centre’s response to State's repeated request for one-time national debt waiver for farmers has not been encouraging.
