Government announces Rs 300 crore relief package to farmers Home

The government on 12 Aug announced a relief package of RS 300 crore to provide diesel and seed subsidy, among others, in order to save standing kharif crops in the eventuality of drought and deficit rainfall.

"Immediate remedial measures are to be initiated to save standing agricultural crops and perennial orchards measures to be initiated by state governments in the eventuality of drought deficit rainfall situation", the release said.

The government approved Rs 100 crore for implementing the diesel subsidy scheme for protective irrigation of crops.

Under the scheme, 50 percent diesel subsidy would be given to farmers to supplement irrigation to protect standing Kharif crops in areas where rainfall deficit is more than 50 percent as on July 15, sources said.

The CCEA has also enhanced the ceiling on seed subsidy to partially re-compensate farmers for the additional expenditure incurred in resowing and purchasing seeds.

Source: http://www.thehindu.com/