Agriculture Ministry said, there has been a substantial increase in cashless payments made to farmers in dairy sector post demonetisation. Milk producers are being brought under the ambit of banking system and the number of bank accounts have risen to more than 56 lakh from 16 lakh.<br/><br/>In a statement, the Ministry said, around 828 crore payments have been made directly to milk producers' bank accounts after demonetisation. There are total 1.6 crore milk producers in the country. It said, this will ensure transparency and benefit milk producers in multiple ways and central government is periodically monitoring the situation for easing payments to milk producers across the country.