Kisan Samman Diwas: 93 Lucky Farmers to Get Tractors & Other Gifts From CM Yogi on Dec 23

In a gesture of recognition and encouragement for the agricultural community, the Uttar Pradesh government is set to distribute tractors to 93 fortunate farmers on the occasion of Kisan Samman Diwas, celebrated annually on the birth anniversary of the late Prime Minister Chaudhary Charan Singh. The much-anticipated event is scheduled for December 23, and Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath will personally hand over keys to 51 farmers during a state-level function at Lok Bhavan.

The initiative, part of the 'Mukhya Mantri Krashak Uphar Yojana' launched by the Mandi Parishad in 2003, aims to incentivize farmers to bring their agricultural produce to market committees (mandis) for sale. Under this scheme, farmers receive prize coupons based on their mandi transactions of ₹5,000 and above on a monthly, quarterly, and half-yearly basis. The highlight of the program is the distribution of tractors and other gifts through a lucky draw system.

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A senior Mandi Parishad official revealed that the last tractor distribution took place in December 2021. The tractors, along with various other items, are procured centrally by the Mandi Parishad and distributed to farmers based on the lucky draws. The 'Mukhya Mantri Krashak Uphar Yojana' underwent amendments and upgrades over the years, introducing six-monthly bumper draws intended to distribute two tractors (35 HP) in each of the 18 divisions to the farmers winning the first prize.

While the scheme has faced challenges in conducting annual bumper draws, the commitment to supporting farmers has remained steadfast. Division-level committees, led by divisional commissioners, are responsible for procuring other gifts, ensuring a decentralized approach to the distribution process.

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The Yogi Adityanath government revived this initiative in December 2020 amid nationwide farmer protests against the contentious three farm laws (now repealed) introduced by the central government. The move was perceived as an effort to bridge the gap and foster goodwill with the protesting farmers. For the first time, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath distributed tractor keys at a state-level function, marking a significant step in recognizing the invaluable contribution of farmers to the agricultural sector.

As the state gears up for Kisan Samman Diwas, the distribution of tractors symbolizes not only material support but also a gesture of appreciation for the hard work and dedication exhibited by farmers across Uttar Pradesh.

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