Amar Dhan Amar Chatal Scheme
Agriculture is the backbone of West Bengal, but growing the crop is only half the battle. After the harvest, farmers often face a huge problem: Paddy (unprocessed rice) getting ruined by rain or moisture. To solve this, the West Bengal government, supported by the Central Government, introduced a scheme called ‘Amar Dhan Amar Chatal‘ (which translates to My Paddy, My Drying Floor).
What is the goal?
The main goal is Post-Harvest Care. Even if a farmer grows a great crop, it can rot if it isn’t dried and stored properly. This scheme helps ensure that the paddy stays safe until it reaches the rice mills.
Eligible farmers receive
| Scheme | Purpose | Subsidy Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Amar Fasal, Amar Gola | Storage (Stop rotting/pests) | ₹5,000 to ₹25,000 |
| Amar Fasal, Amar Gari | Transport (Sell directly) | ₹10,000 |
The 3 Main Parts of the Scheme
- Concrete Drying Yards (Chatals): Usually, farmers dry their paddy on the ground or on the side of the road. This makes the rice dirty and exposes it to dampness. Under this scheme, the government helps build concrete floors (Chatals) so the rice stays clean and dry.
- Modern Drying Machines: Sometimes the weather is too cloudy for the sun to dry the rice. The government is providing drying machines (some even imported from Germany!). These machines cost about ₹10,000 each and help remove moisture quickly so the rice doesn’t sprout or grow mold.
- Better Storage: By keeping the rice dry, farmers can store it longer. This means they don’t have to rush to sell it at a low price during a “distress sale.”
How does it help the Economy?
- Food Security: By preventing rice from rotting, there is more food available for everyone.
- The Second Green Revolution: This scheme is part of a bigger plan to modernize farming in Eastern India.
- Fair Prices: The government is setting up 165 food camps across the state. Farmers can go there to sell their rice directly to the government at a fair price (MSP), rather than being cheated by middle-men.
- Subsidies: The government even gives a small “bonus” or subsidy for every kilogram of rice they buy from the farmer.
Why does this matter to you?
In your Geography or Economics syllabus, you study the Green Revolution. While the first revolution was about seeds and fertilizers, this “Second Green Revolution” is about technology and infrastructure. It’s about making sure that the hard work of the farmer actually ends up on our dinner plates instead of going to waste.