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The new rule requires palm farmers to link Aadhaar for subsidies, aiming for self-reliance in palm oil production, and facilitating direct transfers.
In a recent development, the Union Agriculture Ministry has mandated Aadhaar proof for palm farmers to avail themselves of subsidies under various government schemes. This requirement comes as part of the government's broader push to streamline subsidy distribution and ensure direct transfers to beneficiaries.
As per media reports, palm farmers seeking subsidies under Central Government schemes must now attach their Aadhaar card with their application. This measure aims to facilitate direct subsidy transfers to farmer’s accounts. Consequently, farmers engaged in palm cultivation must link their Aadhaar with their bank accounts to access government subsidies.
For farmers without an Aadhaar card, the government has temporarily relaxed regulations. However, they're encouraged to speed up the Aadhaar application process. In the meantime, alternative identity documents may suffice, but Aadhaar proof will eventually become mandatory for subsidy disbursement.
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The Central Government has launched the National Edible Oil Mission-Oil Palm (NMEO-OP) with the goal of boosting palm oil production in India. By 2025-26, the government aims to produce 11.20 lakh tonnes of crude palm oil domestically, reducing reliance on costly imports. Currently operational in 15 states across approximately 21.75 lakh hectares of land, this mission strives to support India's self-sufficiency in palm oil production.
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Under the NMEO-OP, palm farmers receive Viability Gap Payments (VGPs) to mitigate losses during market downturns. These subsidies are crucial for sustaining farmer’s livelihoods and ensuring a stable palm oil market. With Aadhaar linkage, farmers can receive these subsidies directly into their bank accounts via Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT). While alternative identity documents are temporarily accepted, Aadhaar will eventually become mandatory for subsidy disbursement.
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The government's emphasis on Aadhaar linkage underscores its commitment to efficient subsidy distribution and promoting self-sufficiency in palm oil production. Palm farmers are urged to comply with the new mandate to continue benefiting from government support.