Ajay Sharma
Rajouri, June 26: Farmers in Rajouri district are allegedly feeling hoodwinked by the officials of Agriculture Department, as schemes, claimed to be implemented by the department, are either existing only on papers or have been halted, reasons best known to the Department.
According to local farmers, the officers of the department are more concerned about their public appearances, media coverage, and social media posts, wherein they showcase their supposed commitment to farmers’ welfare, whereas the ground reality paints a starkly different picture.
“Schemes promoted by the Department of Agriculture, such as subsidies for machinery and seed distribution, have not materialized. For months, we’ve been waiting for the benefits promised to us,” said a local farmer, who requested anonymity. “Some of us who purchased machinery under government schemes are still awaiting subsidies, while others haven’t even received basic seeds like corn, bitter gourd and other vegetables.”
Meanwhile, sources alleged that while officials project an image of progress through photo ops and media campaigns, the actual implementation of schemes is “zero on the ground.” A senior official, speaking on condition of anonymity, attributed the delays to a lack of funds, stating, “The funds are not available yet.” However, farmers are left questioning when—or if—these funds will ever materialize.
They said, the role of the Commissioner of Agriculture, the highest authority overseeing the department, is pertinent to discuss. “The Commissioner has an obligation to investigate the discrepancies between the department’s claims and the reality on the ground. The Commissioner is a higher authority. The department is under him. He should see what is happening at the grassroots level,” said farmers.
They alleged that even the local Agriculture Extension Officers (AEOs) in the district resort to nepotism and favouritism. “These officers prioritize their relatives and close associates when distributing benefits, side-lining the broader farming community. The local AEOs only look at their own people,” said farmer, adding “The general beneficiaries are ignored.”
The situation is concerning, as farmers designated as Scheduled Tribes (STs) under government lists have reportedly received no tangible benefits despite their status. “The government has recognized us as STs, but where are the benefits on the ground?” asked a farmer from the district. “It’s all just paperwork and formalities to show off.”
The Agriculture Department oversees several flagship schemes, including the Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY) and the Sub-Mission on Agricultural Mechanization (SMAM), aimed at supporting farmers with irrigation, mechanization, and input subsidies. However, the lack of implementation has left farmers disillusioned.
Farmers have demanded ground-level inquiry into the department’s operations, but they also expressed their apprehension about who will take responsibility for such an investigation. “Who is going to hold these officers accountable?” asked a farmer. “We need action, not just promises.”
Farmers also suggested that even the Agriculture Minister has knowledge about the same, so it becomes imperative for the Agriculture officers and other senior officers to get rid of such officials who believe more in photo ops.
