The Hindu Business Line : Farm Ministry to moot higher subsidy for micro-irrigation

THE Agriculture Ministry will soon make a proposal to provide 50 per cent subsidy for micro irrigation projects such sprinkler and drip irrigation systems. At present, the subsidy on drip irrigation systems is 25 per cent.

"The proposal is expected to be made before the Union Cabinet early next month," said the Agriculture Secretary, Ms Radha Singh, at a press conference here on Wednesday.

The Centre is expected to bear 40 per cent of the total subsidy share, where as the States are expected to bear 10 per cent. The proposed subsidy would be extended to farmers for setting up irrigation systems for a maximum of five hectares, she said. At present, around 2 million hectares of farming land are under drip and sprinkler systems in the country.

The subsidy is likely to cost the Centre Rs 850 crore, she said.

The Agriculture Ministry is hosting a five-day International Conference on Plasticulture and Precision Farming (ICPPF) from on Thursday to promote use of plastic in farming, particularly in horticulture. Around 200 experts from 20 countries including the US, Germany, the UK, Israel and Japan are participating in the conference.

Article E-Mail :: Comment :: Syndication :: Printer Friendly Page

Stories in this Section
Down on arrivals

Rubber prices continue mixed trend

South-East Asia may look to India for sugar

Triveni Engg to set up sugar plants in Western UP

Gold prices driven more by non-physical factors

Groundnut prices drop sharply on heavy arrivals

Tariff values cut for vegoil imports

Venkateshwara Hatcheries in race for Haffkine Bio-Pharma

Suguna Poultry to use Oracle applications

Farm Ministry to moot higher subsidy for micro-irrigation

Coops find domestic market attractive for white arecanut