Nagpur: The state cabinet at its meeting held in Mumbai on Wednesday has given a go-ahead to a modernization and mechanism of farms scheme to be launched in the current fiscal. The scheme will be fully sponsored by the state as part of the government’s plan to double farm income by year 2022, says a note.
Under the scheme, small, marginal farmers as also those from SC, ST will get 35% subsidy on purchase of tractor and 50% on other modern implements. Other beneficiaries will get 25% subsidy on tractors and 40% for other equipment. A provision of Rs 50 crore will be made this year and same amount for susubsequent years, it was decided. Guidelines of central sub- plans on farm mechanization projects will be adopted for the scheme.
In view of the ever decreasing workforce of farm labourers and fragmentation of farm land which makes sustainable agriculture very tough and limits incomes, the scheme aims at encouraging farmers to go in for modern methods and machines. Banks would be able to apply the scheme for giving loans for machines at subsidized rates.
The note adds that high labour cost has made agriculture tough more so for 80% of state’s farmers who fall under small and marginal category due to smaller holdings. Not able to get help at right time and price, farm work often gets neglected leading to losses.
There are some central government sponsored schemes for agriculture development and modernization, but many farmers are unable to benefit from it and so the state has decided to start its own scheme. Priority will be given to self-help groups of small farmers.
Source: TOI