Targeting Lok Sabha Polls, Modi Government Plans To Double Annual Payout For Female Farmers To Rs 12,000

The Narendra Modi Government is contemplating a significant move to double the annual payout to landowning female farmers to Rs 12,000, a proposal likely to be unveiled in the upcoming budget on 1 February, as reported by The Hindu.

This strategic move, estimated to cost the government an additional Rs 120 billion ($1.44 billion), is aimed to enhance support for women voters ahead of the upcoming general election.

The plan builds upon the existing "Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi" programme announced by Prime Minister Modi in 2019.

Under the current scheme, both male and female farmers receive an annual transfer of Rs 6,000.

The proposed expansion, targeting woman farmers specifically, is expected to resonate positively, especially considering the women in rural India.

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It's noteworthy that women in the agricultural sector constitute 60 per cent of all farmers, yet fewer than 13 per cent own the land they cultivate.

The Agriculture Ministry has refrained from commenting on the matter, and the Finance Ministry has not responded to inquiries seeking comment.

With more than 260 million farmers in India and their families forming a significant voting bloc, this move reflects a strategic appeal to key supporters.

As reported by The Hindu, some opinion polls also suggest that women have been pivotal in supporting Prime Minister Modi and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), making this initiative strategically important in the run-up to the general election.

As the budget approaches, the proposed financial support for woman farmers will be closely watched for its potential impact on government finances and its alignment with broader empowerment objectives.

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