Special package for farmers to be announced soon: Agriculture Minister
Tamil Nadu: Tamil Nadu Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Minister R. Vinod has said that the state government will take necessary steps to ensure that the situation of delay or shortage in release of water from Mettur dam does not affect the farmers. He assured that protecting the interests of farmers is the primary priority of the government.
He gave this statement while talking to journalists after the inauguration of the National Mango Festival organized at Express Avenue Mall in Royapettah, Chennai. This three-day festival is being organized by NAB Kisan Finance, a subsidiary of NABARD Bank on 12th, 13th and 14th June (Friday, Saturday and Sunday). Minister R. Vinod inaugurated the program and also inspected various mango stalls set up there.
While talking to the media, the Minister while giving information on the current status of Mettur Dam said that at present the water level in the dam is about 70 feet. He clarified that as per tradition and technical standards, there is no possibility of water being released until the water level reaches above 90 feet. He said that this is a normal process, but the government is completely sensitive towards the problems of the farmers.
The Minister assured that the Tamil Nadu government will not allow farmers to suffer losses under any circumstances and necessary administrative and technical steps are being taken for this. He also said that a special package has been prepared to encourage the cultivation of Kuruvai paddy in Delta and non-Delta districts.
He informed that the government has allocated Rs 134.83 crore for this special agriculture package, which will provide direct benefits to the farmers and will help in reducing the cost of farming. The minister said that this scheme is an important step towards strengthening the agriculture sector.
Along with this, he also indicated that discussions are going on at the government level regarding agricultural loan waiver and a positive announcement can be made in this regard soon. He said that the government is making continuous efforts to improve the economic condition of farmers.
Minister R. Vinod said that the aim of the state government is that farmers should not face any kind of difficulty in matters of irrigation, financial assistance and crop protection. He assured that the government is working seriously on all issues related to the agriculture sector and many new schemes will be implemented in the coming times.
