By Priya Singh
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Updated On: 14-Sep-2023 06:07 PM
Access to affordable electricity for irrigation and other farming activities is crucial to address these challenges. Recognizing this, the government introduced the Krishak Jeevan Jyoti Yojana, a transformative initiative aimed at providing 6000 units of
The Krishak Jeevan Jyoti Yojana, launched by the Government of Chhattisgarh, is a welfare scheme designed to alleviate the financial burden on farmers by providing them with free electricity for agricultural purposes. Under this scheme, eligible farmers can receive up to 6000 units of electricity annually at no cost.
Agriculture is the backbone of India's economy, employing a significant portion of its workforce and contributing substantially to its GDP. However, farmers face various challenges, including unpredictable weather patterns, rising input costs, and fluctuating market prices.
Access to affordable electricity for irrigation and other farming activities is crucial to address these challenges. Recognizing this, the government introduced the Krishak Jeevan Jyoti Yojana, a transformative initiative aimed at providing 6000 units of free electricity to farmers. In this article, we will delve into the key aspects of this scheme and its potential impact on the lives of Indian farmers.
The government is making numerous attempts to cut farmers' farming costs and improve revenues. The government's primary goal is to reduce the cost of irrigation. This is why the government is implementing a free borewell scheme for farmers.
One of the most common methods of irrigating agricultural land is by using electric pumps. Electric pumps are widely used in agriculture to draw water from various sources such as wells, rivers, lakes, or reservoirs and distribute it to the fields through a network of pipes, hoses, or channels. This method of irrigation is known as electric irrigation or electric-powered irrigation.
Simultaneously, the government is adopting a number of efforts to lower the cost of irrigation. The Krishak Jeevan Jyoti Yojana is one of these steps. This scheme includes a provision for farmers to get a subsidy of Rs 12000 crore. In addition, free electricity of up to 6,000 units will be provided annually. Farmers will receive 500 units of electricity per month at no cost. Farmers will be charged nothing if they use 6000 units of power each year.
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The Krishak Jeevan Jyoti Yojana, launched by the Government of Chhattisgarh, is a welfare scheme designed to alleviate the financial burden on farmers by providing them with free electricity for agricultural purposes. Under this scheme, eligible farmers can receive up to 6000 units of electricity annually at no cost. The primary objective is to promote sustainable agricultural practices, increase crop yields, and enhance the overall well-being of farmers across the country.
This yojana would provide two types of electricity consumption subsidies to all eligible Chhattisgarh farmers. :-- One Time Yearly Unit Subsidy.- Flat Rate Subsidy.
In One Time Yearly Unit Subsidy, the below-mentioned consumption of electricity units in a year will be free of cost to farmers:-
In Flat Rate Subsidy, the following amount is charged from farmers according to the pump usage:-
There is no maximum electricity consumption limit for the farmers belonging to Schedule Caste and Schedule Tribe
The Krishak Jeevan Jyoti Yojana has the potential to bring about significant positive changes in the lives of Indian farmers:
Enhanced Agricultural Productivity: Access to free electricity for irrigation and agricultural machinery allows farmers to adopt modern and efficient farming techniques. This, in turn, can lead to increased crop yields and improved overall productivity.
Cost Reduction: One of the most substantial financial burdens on farmers is the cost of electricity for irrigation. With 6000 units of free electricity, farmers can save a significant portion of their operational expenses, making farming more economically sustainable.
Socioeconomic Empowerment: By targeting small and marginal farmers, the scheme contributes to reducing income disparities in rural areas. It empowers these farmers by reducing their financial burden and enabling them to invest in better seeds, fertilizers, and farm equipment.
Environmental Sustainability: Promoting efficient use of electricity in agriculture can lead to better water management practices. Farmers can adopt precision irrigation methods, which not only conserve water but also contribute to environmental sustainability.
Rural Development: The availability of free electricity encourages agricultural diversification and the adoption of allied activities like dairy farming and agro-processing. This, in turn, can stimulate rural development and create additional employment opportunities.
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Farmers will gain immensely from the government's irrigation support. Farmers would be able to save more money in farming because of the free electricity provided by the Krishak Jeevan Jyoti Yojana. They will not be required to pay the electric bill.
Electricity is now delivered to farmers at a cost of Rs 2 per unit in most states, but under this initiative, farmers will receive 500 units, or approximately Rs 1000 per month, of free electricity. Farmers might benefit from 12000 rupees per year in this manner. The government has set aside Rs 12000,> crore for this initiative.
Farmers are benefiting from this arrangement as consumers. This concept of providing free electricity to farmers includes a 100% subsidy on the electricity bill. Farmers having permanent and temporary electricity connections would be eligible for this subsidy under the Krishak Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana.
Under this initiative, farmers using agricultural irrigation pumps of up to 6000 HP will receive three units of free electricity each year.
Farmers with agricultural pumps rated between 3 and 5 HP will receive a 7500-unit subsidy per year. Farmers who want to maintain the flat power rate can pay only Rs 100 per HP.
This scheme will help farmers who are permanent citizens of Chhattisgarh and have an agricultural irrigation pump connection on their land.
Farmers must have an Aadhaar card, a residency certificate, and the most recent power bill in order to get benefits under the Krishak Jeevan Jyoti Yojana.
Farmers do not need to apply anywhere to receive the benefit of a large subsidy for irrigation under the Krishak Jeevan Jyoti Yojana. According to the government's directives, all Chhattisgarh farmers who irrigate using agricultural pumps and have an annual cost of less than 6000 units would receive direct benefits from power firms.
Contact the Chhattisgarh Agriculture Development, Farmer Welfare, and Bio-Technology Department at 0771-2510933.
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While the Krishak Jeevan Jyoti Yojana holds great promise, some challenges must be addressed for its successful implementation:
Infrastructure Development: Ensuring a reliable and uninterrupted power supply to rural areas is essential. Investments in infrastructure upgrades are necessary to meet the increased electricity demand resulting from the scheme.
Monitoring and Accountability: To prevent misuse of the scheme and ensure that benefits reach the intended beneficiaries, a robust monitoring and accountability framework must be in place.
Awareness and Outreach: Many eligible farmers may not be aware of the scheme or how to avail themselves of its benefits. Effective outreach and awareness campaigns are crucial to maximize their impact.
Fiscal Sustainability: The government needs to ensure the fiscal sustainability of the scheme to provide long-term support to farmers. This may involve periodic adjustments in the allocation of free electricity units based on economic conditions.
Conclusion
The Krishak Jeevan Jyoti Yojana is a commendable initiative by the Chhattisgarh government to alleviate the financial burden on farmers and promote sustainable agricultural practices. By providing 6000 units of free electricity to eligible farmers, the scheme aims to enhance agricultural productivity, reduce operational costs, and empower small and marginal farmers.
While there are challenges to overcome, the potential benefits for Indian agriculture and rural development are significant. As the scheme continues to be implemented and refined, it has the potential to play a pivotal role in transforming the lives of millions of Indian farmers.