Thiruvananthapuram: The Kerala government has proposed to give pension to all farmers with a minimum of five cents of land to a maximum of 15 acres of own land or leased land. Agricultural Minister V S Sunil Kumar presented the Kerala Farmers’ Welfare Fund Bill in the Assembly on Wednesday. The Bill would be taken up for discussion on November 21 and passed.

Membership for all

All farmers can become members. Each farmer has to make at least a contribution of Rs 100. As part of the government’s allocation, a contribution of up to Rs 250 would be made.

Those who have made the contributions for a minimum of five years would get pension when they turn 60. The pension is calculated based on the contribution and the number of years. The farmers could get a pension of up to Rs 10,000 per month. However, there would be more clarity once the law is formulated. After the board is formed, the registration would begin.

All types of farmers

All types of farmers involved in gardening, medicinal plants, nursery, fruit trees, and vegetables would be included. Apart from these, farmers involved in breeding fish, ornamental fish, honey bee, silkworm, poultry, duck, goat, rabbit, cattle, and pig would also be included.

The condition of 4.9-acre upper limit has been removed as per the recommendation of the assembly select committee. Rubber, coffee, tea, and cardamom farmers have been included.

Farmers with less than 7.5 acres of rubber, coffee, tea, and cardamom plantations should not have an annual income for more than Rs 5 lakh. They should have been in the agricultural field for a minimum of three years. The farmers should also be above the legal age of 18. They should also not be part of other welfare fund projects. Those who are already part of the Kisan Abhiman project can move into the new scheme.

Other benefits

• Those who have made contributions for 25 years would be given a one-time fixed amount

• Aid for those who are suffering from constant illnesses.

• Aid for the members' or their children's wedding/education

• Compensation if the member or a family member suffers loss of life, accident, wildlife attack, or poisoning while involved in agriculture.