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Tamil Nadu
“Farmers must aim for higher productivity”
Special Correspondent
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Leaders should motivate them: Minister
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— FILE PHOTO
Union Minister of State for Finance S.S. Palani Manickam.
THANJAVUR: With debt relief provided to a tune of Rs.60,000 crore in the Union Budget, it is now for farmers to change their mindset and work towards achieving higher productivity, Union Minister of State for Finance S.S. Palani Manickam said on Sunday.
Farmer leaders should motivate them to use the latest technology, hybrid seeds and progressive farming methods, he told presspersons here. At present, farmers made 25 bags of paddy per acre. They should try to increase it to 60 bags per acre.
The Minister said the State government, led by Chief Minister M. Karunanidhi, was a pioneer in introducing loan waiver to farmers to bail them out of debt burden. It waived cooperative loans to the tune of Rs.700 crore. Taking cue from the State government, the Centre too waived the loans.
Asked about the possibility of increasing the ceiling of two hectares to benefit more farmers, as demanded by farmers’ organisations and political parties, Mr. Palani Manickam said there had to be a framework and limitation for every scheme. Hence, the two-hectare limitation. Based on experience, further concessions could be considered.
To a question that better pricing, more inputs and long-term measures would have helped them instead of a waiver, the Minister said for a person suffering stomach pain, the first step should be to relieve him of the pain. Then, the cause for the ailment could be analysed and solutions found.
On whether the waiver would affect the economy of banks, he said the government would repay the amount.
Asked whether the maximum support price of paddy would be increased to Rs.1,000 per tonne, as demanded by farmers, he said twice in the past both the Centre and the State government increased the price. Depending on the situation and requirement, the price rise was made.
On operating more trains to Chennai from Thanjavur, Mr. Palani Manickam said more trains could be introduced after completion of gauge conversion on the main line. Quoting Railway Minister, he said Rameswaram Express would start running on the main line, besides an express train from Thanjavur to Chennai, after completion of gauge conversion.
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