Exciting Puducherry Budget: Transformative Agro-Forestry Nurseries and Nutrition Gardens to Revolutionize Schools and Homes
In the Budget for 2024-25, Chief Minister N. Rangasamy has proposed a series of initiatives aimed at enhancing the agriculture and farmers’ welfare sector, with an allocation of ₹171.22 crore. Among the measures, the “En Veedu En Nilam” scheme will promote homestead vegetable cultivation through a cluster-based approach, providing a ₹5,000 input cost per individual. Similarly, the scheme will also encourage rooftop gardens with technical support from the Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK), launching in the Aadi pattam season from mid-July to mid-August.
Additionally, schools will be incentivized to establish vegetable and nutrition gardens with financial assistance of ₹2.50 per sq.ft., capped at 4,000 sq.ft. or ₹10,000 per school. The government also plans to set up two large agro-forestry nurseries, each spanning one hectare, at a cost of ₹16 lakh each to produce one lakh saplings. These nurseries will be located at KVKs in Puducherry and Manapet Forest Land.
To reclaim and increase farming land, a subsidy of ₹15,000 per hectare is proposed for the removal of Prosophis Juliflora in uncultivated lands in Karaikal, enabling cultivation. The production of biochar from Prosophis Juliflora for use in organic farming will also begin this year.
In an effort to reduce electricity costs, a 100% subsidy will be offered for the installation of solar pumps under the PM-Kusum scheme, which will be implemented over three years. Post-harvest financial assistance of ₹2 per kg of paddy will be provided to help farmers meet Food Corporation of India’s procurement standards, with a target of 10,000 MT in Puducherry and 20,000 MT in Karaikal.
Moreover, a financial back-ended subsidy of ₹1 lakh per acre will be extended for establishing permanent pandals on land holdings, with a minimum area of 10 acres and a maximum of 2 hectares per individual farmer.
These comprehensive initiatives aim to enhance agricultural productivity, ensure fair prices for produce, and promote sustainable farming practices in Puducherry.
Original Story https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/puducherry/puducherry-budget-agro-forestry-nurseries-schemes-for-homestead-vegetable-nutrition-garden-in-schools-proposed/article68476510.ece
Category : Puducherry
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