‘Properly monitor funds under agri schemes in Varanasi division’

Varanasi: The state agriculture minister Surya Pratap Shahi on Friday held a review meeting of divisional and district-level officers regarding the financial progress of all schemes being run under the agriculture department.During the review, it was found that under Zaid 2026, district Chandauli had distributed only 5.2 quintals against the target of 10 quintals of hybrid maize, and district Ghazipur had distributed only 1 quintal against the target of 2.00 quintals. The concerned officers were directed to ensure 100 percent distribution. During the review of urad and moong seed distribution, the concerned officers were directed that if there is a requirement, they should immediately send their respective demands to the directorate. He said that on-site inspections would be carried out in the coming days for those farmers who were distributed free urad and moong seeds under mini kits and sugarcane intercropping.The minister reviewed the financial progress against the allocated funds under Agri Junction, Oilseeds and Oil Palm, Soil Health Card, Aatmanirbhar Krishak Samanvit Vikas Yojana, Natural Farming Scheme, Gypsum, Kisan Pathshala Yojana, In-Situ Scheme, PKVY, National Food Security Mission, Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi, NEGPA, and Accelerated Maize Development Programme.The officers were directed to properly monitor the funds allocated under these schemes and ensure 100 percent expenditure of allocated funds in schemes where financial progress is low. In schemes where the budget is unavailable or insufficient against physical achievement, budget demands should be raised immediately. It was also directed that only a few days remained before the end of the financial year, and all officers should work with full energy in the interest of farmers. If any liability remains in any scheme or the allocated budget against the set target is not utilised on time, the responsibility of the concerned officer will be fixed and recovery will be made from their salary.Under Farmer Registry, district Varanasi has registered 1,56,103 farmers against a total target of 2,25,797, district Chandauli has registered 172,438 against a total target of 2,35,989, and district Ghazipur has registered 3,22,527 farmers against a total target of 4,73,074. Directions were given to ensure completion, as in the future, agricultural inputs and other benefits to farmers will be distributed on this basis only.During the meeting, all officers were directed to continue publicising the subsidies available on seeds and agricultural equipment under all schemes being run at the district and divisional levels. Regional elected public representatives should be especially invited to participate in seminars at the Nyaya Panchayat level/Block level/District level/Divisional level. In April 2026, a KCC campaign should be launched to cover maximum farmers. Also, for those farmers who got KCC made during Rabi, if their premium has not been deducted under the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana, verification should be carried out. If the farmer has not opted out, then action should be ensured against the concerned bank. Get the latest lifestyle updates on Times of India, along with EId ul fitr 2026 wishes, messages and quotes !