The Hindu Business Line : Sugar mills welcome proposals to support farmers

Chennai, March 21 Industry associations representing a range of sectors have welcomed the Tamil Nadu budget for its support to the small and medium industries, agriculture and farmers.

The Southern India Sugar Mills Association – Tamil Nadu, has welcomed the budget, which holds a range of support to the farmers including the reduction in interest rate on crop loans, subsidy for micro irrigation and support to mechanisation of farming operations.

Crucial issues

Mr N. Ramanathan, Vice-President, SISMA, said that these measures would help the sugar industry as they address crucial issues. With labour costs on the increase, mechanisation of planting and harvesting operations is fast becoming a necessity. Micro irrigation helps in increasing efficiency of water use and is believed to improve yields.

The sugar industry in the State is looking forward to support from the State Government on issues relating to reduction of purchase tax on sugarcane, support for sugar exports along the lines provided by the other State Governments, he said.

Leather industry

The All-India Skin and Hide Tanners and Merchants Association has welcomed the decision to set up a 260-acre leather SEZ in Vellore. Leather units in the State account for over 40 per cent of the leather exports from the country. The SEZ will help increase installed capacity and generate employment in rural areas.

Chamber lauds

The Tamil Nadu Chamber of Commerce and Industry has welcomed the efforts to improve water availability through interlinking of rivers, allocation of funds for recharge structures such as check dams and percolation ponds, formation of farmers self-help groups and support to women self-help groups to take up dairy farming.

The industry chamber has asked the Government to do away with purchase tax on pulses and grams used for making flour.

Cable TV

The Federation of Cable TV Associations – Tamil Nadu has welcomed the State Governments decision to do away with entertainment tax on cable TV and the creation of a welfare board for the operators.

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