CCEA okays diesel subsidy for farmers

NEW DELHI: The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA), chaired by the Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has approved the implementation of diesel subsidy scheme for protective irrigation of crops with an allocation of Rs 100 crore in the wake of deficit rainfall forecast this monsoon season. The subsidy will help farmers in dealing with challenges posed by delayed and aberrant monsoon. The cabinet also enhanced ceiling on seed subsidy to partially recompensate the farmer for the additional expenditure incurred in resowing and purchasing appropriate varieties of seeds.

An additional allocation of Rs 150 crore under Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture (MIDH) was approved for implementation of drought mitigating interventions on perennial horticulture crops.

Further for the implementation of additional fodder development Rs 50 crore during 2015-16 was approved.

"These measures have been sanctioned with an additional allocation ofRs 300 crore during current financial year. Actual expenditure may vary depending upon the drought situation. These interventions/measures will be applicable in all rainfall deficit areas of the country," said the government press release. As a result of the above interventions, farmers will be better equipped to deal with challenges posed by delayed and aberrant monsoon, as state governments will be able to initiate immediate remedial measures to save standing agricultural crops and perennial orchards in rainfall deficient districts. Besides, farmers will be able procure seeds for contingent cropping where normal sowing window is no longer available.