MUMBAI: Farmers in Maharashtra will get a grant up to Rs. 50, 000 from the State Government if they make foreign trips for studying agricultural technology or marketing.

The farmers can go to any country, mainly China, Israel, Holland, Japan, Denmark, Germany, Canada, the U.S. and Spain, says a recent government resolution. They are supposed to study modern farming technology, processing of produce, demand patterns and exports so that they can improve the quality of their yield and adopt improved marketing practices for getting better prices.

Land titles

The grant is for meeting 50 per cent of travelling expenses. The farmers must go in groups of at least 10. They should have land titles in their names and also life insurance cover. They should have acquired passports and visas. The grant will be paid on their return.

Form committees

The resolution calls for formation of committees at the divisional and State levels to clear applications. Farmers who have received State awards for agricultural achievements will get priority.

The scheme, "Farmers' Study Tours Outside the Country," puts no ceiling on the number of beneficiaries.

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