With a view to benefit farmers during the current Rabi season, the Punjab government has extended the deadline to deposit recovery payments till 31 March. The development took place after the state co-operation department on Wednesday advised farmers to deposit their payments by 31 March.
This offer was made by additional chief secretary co-operation DP Reddy during a state level review meeting of the department, said a spokesperson.
It was further informed that the members of primary co-operative agriculture societies in Punjab must avail benefits to get the interest subsidy of three per cent by paying their pending crop loans pertaining to Kharif 2017. They could receive crop loans for current Rabi season, added the spokesperson.
The chief secretary asked the field officials of co-operative department and bank employees to aware the members of all coop societies about the debt relief announced by the state government.
“So all the officials should reach the farmers and motivate them to clear their transactions with the societies. Concerned officials have also been asked to inspire the farmers to become eligible for getting the benefit of subsidies on interest by paying crop loans timely,” he stressed.
Additional chief secretary co-operation has directed the field officials to work in the context of debt relief and reach all the members of co-operative societies for recovery of loans. He has also directed the officials to aware members that state government has deposited the debt relief amount into the accounts of eligible members who have paid their dues to the societies timely, said the spokesperson.