Government to sow Rs 3,274 cr in agriculture to reap profits with farmers

As agriculture has been a silver lining with 11.7% growth in 2020-21, the state government has offered an allocation of Rs 3,274 crore with the announcement of a slew of projects. At first, Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, in his budget presentation, extended Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) government support to farmers on Delhi’s borders demanding the repeal of three central agricultural laws.

“We consciously strive to dramatically increase the productivity of farmers in the state. Transactions in the field of agricultural products must be carried out in a transparent manner and they must benefit from fair prices. Our government is working to achieve this goal, ”said Pawar.

Paying interest on crop loans was also often a problem for farmers. Keeping in view the goal of freeing farmers from the burden of interest and preventing them from defaulting, the government has decided to provide zero interest loans to farmers who take out crop loans up to a limit of Rs 3. lakhs and a quick refund. The interest amount on the crop loan will be paid by the government on behalf of the farmers. The necessary funds will be provided by the government.

Restless farmers opposed the dismantling of Agricultural Marketing Committees (APMCs). However, Pawar announced a Rs 2,000 crore plan to strengthen APMCs in the state. Farmers in the state often bring their agricultural produce for sale at the premises of the market committees. Most of the premises of the APMCs lack the basic equipment necessary for farmers. It is imperative to provide these facilities. The government has proposed a Rs 2,000 crore program to strengthen the Agricultural Commodity Market Committee.

For the orange growers of Vidarbha, state-of-the-art orange processing projects are being implemented in Varud and Morshi, in the Amravati district. Citrus Estate will be established on 62 acres of land in Paithan in Aurangabad district to improve the quality and productivity of citrus crops in Marathwada and adjacent areas.

Posted on: Tuesday March 09, 2021 01:06 IST