Karnal,
The Haryana Government launched the ‘Bhavantar Bharpai’ a scheme through which the state government would compensate farmers for price deficit for vegetable produce—on Saturday.

Launching the scheme that would come into effect on January 1, Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar said that his government would ensure farmers got at least the base price for four vegetables potatoes, tomatoes, onions and cauliflower while his dispensation would compensate them for the rest.

He said his government launched the scheme “to end the risk factor in the cultivation of vegetable crops”, also asking farmers to utilise the state government’s scheme for micro-irrigation.

The scheme, which mirrors a similar project that the BJP government in Madhya Pradesh has launched to ensure farmers were compensated for their agricultural produce, comes at a time when there is deep dissatisfaction among farmers over uncertain price of their crops.

The scheme will apply only to farmers growing vegetables.

Agriculture Minister OP Dhankar, who addressed a gathering at Gangar village dubbed the state’s tomato hub said the scheme was a step “towards doubling income for farmers”.

“Farmers have to get themselves online registered for the said crop. Department will send an SMS to farmers regarding market rates. Farmers have to get a J form from marketing board or vegetable market before selling their crops. Farmers that do not get a J-form or file incomplete ones will not be eligible for this scheme from next year.”

He added: “We are first to start this scheme on horticulture products in the country.”

Principal Secretary Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Abhilaksh Likhi said deputy commissioners of districts would head a team to supervise the scheme.