Namo Shetkari 9th, 10th instalments stuck; 22 lakh farmers await Rs 4,000

The 9th and 10th instalments of the Namo Shetkari Mahasanman Nidhi scheme have still not been credited to farmers' bank accounts. More than 22 lakh farmers in the state are said to be waiting for this financial aid.

Farmers suffered losses this year in the kharif season because of erratic weather. Preparations for rabi sowing have now begun, and the festivals of Dussehra and Diwali have pushed up spending in rural areas. The need for money is felt more acutely at such a time.

All eyes are on when farmers will receive the two instalments, worth Rs 4,000 in all. But no official date for disbursing them has been announced, so the confusion among farmers persists.

The scheme is meant to provide financial assistance to eligible farmers in the state, and farmers receive aid through it at regular intervals. According to available information, beneficiaries have to wait for the next payment because the 9th and 10th instalments are held up. If the money arrives during the festive season, it could help them pay for fertiliser, seed, labour and household expenses.

According to the information received, about Rs 3,700 crore is needed to disburse the 9th and 10th instalments. The delay in final administrative approval for this fund is said to have held up the process of crediting the money. However, it is important to check for an official government resolution or announcement on the approval of the funds and the disbursal schedule. Nobody should believe unverified information on the assumption that an instalment date has been fixed.

Crops have reportedly been damaged in many areas this year because of irregular rain. When the output of paddy, soyabean, tur, vegetables, orchards and other crops is affected, farmers' incomes suffer too. If market prices are also not as good as expected, financial difficulties increase further.

With preparations for rabi sowing under way, money will be needed for seed, fertiliser and other farm work. Beneficiaries therefore hope the held-up instalments of the Namo Shetkari scheme will be released soon.

If messages on social media claim the instalment will be credited this week, do not believe them without official confirmation. It will become clear when the money will arrive only once the government announces a firm date. Farmers should watch for official government announcements and notices from the agriculture department. As the official date for the 9th and 10th instalments is still unclear, beneficiaries will have to wait.