Rs 500 crore earmarked for farm mechanisation in AP

RAJAMUNDRY (AP): Andhra Pradesh Minister for Stamps and Registrations ThotaNarasimham on Tuesday said the Government has allotted Rs 500 crore for farm mechanisation to promote modern methods of farming in the state.

Speaking at a `Rythu sadassu' (farmers' meet) at Krishnunipalem near here in East Godavari district, he stressed on the need for adopting modern farming methods to boost production and to minimise expenditure.

He further said the State Government had released Rs 1,662 crore towards input subsidy for farmers affected by 'Neelam' cyclone late last year. Steps have been taken for proper disbursement of this money.

Highlighting the farmers welfare activities in the Congress-ruled State, Narasimham said the input subsidy has been increased to Rs 10,000 per hectare, which was only Rs 1,250 earlier.

Efforts were being made to increase minimum support prices for paddy to Rs 1,250 and Rs 1,580 per quintal depending on variety, he added.