The Hindu : Bonus support price for kharif proposed

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Thursday, Sep 26, 2002

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Bonus support price for kharif proposed

By Our Special Correspondent

NEW DELHI SEPT. 25. The Commission for Agricultural Costs and Prices in its revised report has recommended that the Government give a bonus of about Rs. 20 per quintal, over and above the minimum support price, for kharif this season.

The CACP presented its report to the Union Agriculture Minister, Ajit Singh, here today.

Earlier, the CACP had suggested that there be a freeze on the support price for kharif paddy.

However, in view of the drought, when farmers had to go in for re-sowing and overdrawal of water and more inputs, the Minister asked the CACP to revise its report.

The CACP maintained the freeze on MSP at Rs. 530 a quintal for the common variety of paddy and Rs. 560 for the superfine variety, but recommended a bonus.

It also recommended that interest-free loans, subsidised quality seeds and fertilizers be provided to farmers in view of the monsoon failure this season.

The report would be presented to the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs.

The Punjab Chief Minister, Amrinder Singh, had threatened to stage a demonstration if the support price for kharif was not declared soon.

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