A price stabilisation fund for rubber, interest-free loans for farmers, power tariff subsidy for polyhouses and precision farming, interest subvention for agro-based industries, establishment of four agricultural polytechnics and a honey mission are some of the major proposals in the agriculture sector outlined by Finance Minister K.M. Mani in the State Budget presented on Friday.
The Budget proposes an outlay of Rs.300 crore for the rubber price stabilisation fund to support the purchase of 20,000 metric tonnes at a market support price of Rs.150 a kg. According to the Budget papers, the difference between the market support price and the daily reference price approved by the Rubber Board would be credited to the bank account of the grower or rubber producer society.
Another Rs.300 crore has been set apart for a mechanism under which paddy farmers will receive the subsidy on procurement in a week’s time.
Mr. Mani has proposed a short-term interest-free agricultural loan scheme. Under the initiative, the entire interest payable by farmers will be completely met by the government if the farmer repays the principal on time. The proposal, Mr. Mani said, was expected to increase the inflow of agricultural credit into the State by Rs.2,000 crore.
Neera promotion
The Budget has set apart Rs.30 crore for training of Neera technicians and coconut producer companies and farmer producer companies. Under the proposed interest subvention scheme, the government will foot 50 per cent of the interest on project loan availed by an entrepreneur up to a maximum of Rs.10 lakh. Mr. Mani has allocated Rs.20 crore for a subsidised programme for spices cultivation.
The pilot scheme is to be implemented in Kottayam, Idukki, and Wayanad.
The Budget has earmarked Rs.10 crore for a Farm to Family initiative to promote organic vegetable cultivation and provide market linkage for farmers using an e-commerce platform. Another Rs.5 crore has been provided to promote rain shelter cultivation, propagation of banana saplings through tissue culture, foliar spray nourishing technology and agri aquaponics.
As many as four agricultural polytechnics are proposed to be established at Haripad, Koothuparamba, Melukavu, and Kaduthuruthy at a cost of Rs.3 crore. Mr. Mani has also announced a Pravasi Kerala Krishi Vikas scheme as a joint venture with NRIs to enhance the production of fruits, vegetables, milk, and eggs.
In the Animal Husbandry sector, the budget has provided an outlay of Rs.2 crore for a scheme to enhance egg production in Attappady and address the malnutrition in the area.
As many as seven veterinary polytechnics are proposed to be established at a cost of Rs.1.7 crore.
An amount of Rs.1 crore has been earmarked to set up pig satellite units aimed at providing regular income for farmers and to address waste management issues.
