Agri Minister Pitches for Direct Fertiliser Subsidy to Farmers' Accounts

• Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan advocates for transferring the Rs 1.7 lakh crore annual fertiliser subsidy directly to farmers' bank accounts via DBT.
• This move would empower farmers to choose fertilisers and quantities, ensuring the subsidy benefits the actual user.
• Currently, fertiliser subsidies are primarily transferred to companies, with a DBT system implemented in 2018 where subsidies are released to manufacturers after verified retail sales.
• Chouhan also called for stronger monitoring of funds disbursed to states for agricultural mechanisation and modern irrigation technologies.
• The minister highlighted that 75% of small farmers receive KCC loans at 4% interest and stressed the importance of timely loan disbursement.