After Ladki Bahin Scheme, BJP Focuses On ‘Bhavantar Yojana’ To Woo Farmers In Run-Up To Polls

Last Updated:November 13, 2024, 12:40 IST

Under the scheme, if market prices fall below the assured price, the government will compensate the difference directly into farmers’ bank accounts

During a rally in Amravati district, deputy chief minister Devendra Fadnavis highlighted the significance of the scheme, saying if market prices fall below MSP, the difference will be directly transferred to farmers’ accounts. (PTI)

Farmers often face significant losses when crop prices plummet after their produce enters the market. Despite price hikes later, farmers rarely benefit, exacerbating their financial challenges. To address the recurring issue, the Mahayuti government has announced the ‘Bhavantar Yojana’ that assures farmers a minimum price for their produce.

Under the scheme, if market prices fall below the assured price, the government will compensate the difference directly into farmers’ bank accounts. This initiative has been welcomed by farmers, with many expressing confidence in the government’s promise of price stability.

As campaigning for the Maharashtra assembly elections intensifies with just a week to go, agriculture remains a focal point in political discourse. The BJP, in its manifesto, has emphasised the ‘Bhavantar Yojana’ along with promises of complete loan waivers and free electricity for agricultural pumps.

During a rally in Amravati district, deputy chief minister Devendra Fadnavis highlighted the significance of the scheme. “In recent years, cotton and soybean prices collapsed, leaving farmers in distress. To address this, we introduced the Bhavantar scheme, providing Rs 5,000 per hectare to affected farmers. Going forward, if market prices fall below the minimum support price (MSP), the difference will be directly transferred to farmers’ accounts," he assured. Fadnavis reiterated the scheme’s benefits in subsequent rallies.

The BJP’s rural-campaign strategy has centered on addressing farmer issues, recognising the backlash it faced during the Lok Sabha elections due to farmer dissatisfaction. “The Bhavantar Yojana and similar initiatives have resonated with farmers, boosting their confidence ahead of the assembly elections," BJP state president Chandrashekhar Bawankule said.

Sandeep Gidde Patil, BJP Kisan Morcha general secretary, said the scheme would curb exploitation in markets and guarantee fair prices for agricultural produce. Similarly, Pasha Patel, chairman of the Maharashtra State Agricultural Prices Commission, expressed optimism, saying: “Bhavantar Yojana will permanently eliminate farmers’ concerns about receiving fair prices for their produce."

Earlier this year, the Mahayuti government implemented the ‘Bhavantar Yojana’ for cotton and soybean farmers, providing Rs 5,000 per hectare for up to two hectares. This initiative benefitted approximately 62 lakh farmers, with Rs 2,700 crore transferred directly to their accounts. The BJP has now committed to expanding the scheme to other crops as well, sparking hope among farmers.

The BJP has promised a price of Rs 6,000 per quintal for soybeans in its manifesto. Traditionally, soybean farmers expect rates of Rs 4,000-Rs 4,500 per quintal to cover their expenses and prepare for the Rabi season. However, the announcement of higher prices has encouraged many to delay sales, anticipating better returns. The promise has become a talking point across soybean-producing regions, further strengthening farmer support for the BJP.

News elections After Ladki Bahin Scheme, BJP Focuses On ‘Bhavantar Yojana’ To Woo Farmers In Run-Up To Polls