Representational Image
The government is contemplating a big financial package and several incentives to woo farmers ahead of the 2019 Lok Sabha election, sources told PTI.
According to the sources, first feedback will be taken by BJP leaders and MPs besides other stakeholders, following which the government might make the announcement to boost rural income.
The Agriculture Ministry has prepared a road map and made a presentation to Prime Minister Narendra Modi suggesting both short and long term "sustainable" solutions to various issues that are impacting farmers and causing agricultural distress in the country, they said.
BJP President Amit Shah had met Modi earlier to discuss the farmers' issues.
Senior BJP leaders, including union ministers, have been holding consultations over the matter. Shah also met Agriculture Minister Radha Mohan Singh late Thursday, though there was no official word on what transpired in the meeting.
The ministry has studied various state models, including loan waiver announced in seven states, input subsidy being given in states such as Odisha and the 'Rythu Bandhu' scheme of Telangana, among others.
"In the meeting with the PM, the ministry made a presentation and the discussions revolved around the key issues facing the farming community and the possible solutions that can be provided before general elections," a highly placed source said.
The ruling BJP was defeated in Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan and Chhattisgarh in the recent state polls, where rural distress was a key factor.
(With PTI inputs)
