Under attack for the agrarian crisis, the Narendra Modi government is contemplating several incentives, including a big financial package, to woo farmers ahead of the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, according to sources.
The Modi government's likely announcement of incentives to boost rural incomes will come following feedback given by BJP leaders and MPs, besides other stakeholders, the sources added.
Sources said the agriculture ministry has prepared a roadmap 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. BJP president Amit Shah had met Modi earlier to discuss the farmers' issues.
The agriculture ministry had studied various state models, including loan waivers announced in seven states, input subsidy being given in states such as Odisha and the 'Rythu Bandhu' scheme of Telangana.
"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 the 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. Soon after assuming power in the three states, the Congress governments there announced farm loan waivers as part of the fulfilment of its campaign promises. Congress chief Rahul Gandhi had also declared his party would force Modi to waive off farm loans nationwide.
