The Tamil Nadu government on Saturday announced a first-ever special incentive of ₹349 per tonne of sugarcane over and above the fair and remunerative price (FRP) fixed by the Centre.
Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Minister M.R.K. Panneerselvam, who presented the Agriculture Budget, said this would provide a cane price of ₹3,500 per tonne and it would benefit about 1.30 lakh sugar cane farmers. The government will allocate ₹297 crore for the scheme.
He said the Agricultural Mechanisation Mission would be implemented at an outlay of ₹215 crore and it would benefit 17,000 farmers in the current year. Mr. Panneerselvam also announced the allocation of ₹18 crore as subsidy assistance for the establishment of 36,000-tonne onion storage structures. The purpose is to store and market onions when the production is low.
The Minister said jasmine cultivation would be promoted on 3,000 acres at a cost of ₹1.60 crore and scented rose on 9,600 acres at a cost of ₹1 crore. The Jackfruit Development Mission will get ₹5 crore.
As the demand for avocado had increased, Mr. Panneerselvam said eco-friendly avocado cultivation would be expanded on 500 acres in Tenkasi, Dindigul, Kallakurichi, the Nilgiris, and Salem districts at a cost of ₹69 lakh.
M.S. Swaminathan Research Grant
Reiterating the need for innovative ideas and advanced research methodologies to overcome the challenges of increasing population, climate change, shortage of agriculture labour and machinery, and damages caused by pests and diseases, Mr. Panneerselvam said an Agri Marathon would be organised for students and innovators to choose best innovative ideas.
To provide mentoring and grants, the Dr M.S. Swaminathan Research Grant will be created at an outlay of ₹1 crore in the current year.
Published – March 16, 2025 01:32 am IST