Raipur: Ahead of the Assembly elections scheduled next month, Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel has promised a loan waiver to farmers in the event of the Congress returning to power. This is the fourth guarantee that the Congress has made in the run-up to the polls, after promising to conduct a caste census, buy 20 quintals/acre of paddy, and provide housing to 17.5 lakh families in the state.
Further, CM Baghel confirmed that he shall work to retain the rights of farmers.
The loan waiver promise is a significant one, considering that the agricultural sector is the backbone of Chhattisgarh’s economy. Over 70% of the state’s population is dependent on agriculture for their livelihood. However, in recent years, farmers have been struggling to make ends meet due to a variety of factors, including low crop prices, rising input costs, and natural calamities.
The loan waiver promise is likely to appeal to a large number of voters in the state, especially farmers. However, it is important to note that loan waivers are not a long-term solution to the problems faced by farmers. They can provide temporary relief, but they do not address the root causes of agrarian distress.
To truly address the problems faced by farmers, the government needs to focus on improving agricultural infrastructure, providing farmers with access to affordable credit and inputs, and ensuring that they get a fair price for their produce. The government also needs to invest in research and development to develop new crop varieties and farming practices that are more resilient to climate change.
In addition to the loan waiver promise, the Congress has also made a number of other promises in its manifesto for the Assembly elections. These include providing free electricity to farmers, increasing the minimum support price for paddy, and setting up a dedicated agricultural university.
The BJP, which is the main opposition party in Chhattisgarh, has criticized the Congress’s manifesto, calling it a “bundle of lies.” The BJP has also accused the Congress government of failing to fulfill its promises made in the 2018 Assembly elections.
It remains to be seen which party will emerge victorious in the upcoming Assembly elections. However, the Congress’s loan waiver promise is likely to be a key factor in the outcome of the polls.