The Hindu : New Delhi News : 1,000-crore diesel subsidy

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1,000-crore diesel subsidy

Special Correspondent

Transplantation hit by delayed and erratic rain

NEW DELHI: With paddy transplantation hit by delayed and erratic rain, Agriculture Minister Sharad Pawar has announced a Rs. 1,000-crore subsidy on diesel to farmers across the country.

According to the latest kharif report from the Ministry, paddy transplantation was done only on 191.30 lakh hectares as against the coverage of 256.76 lakh hectares in the corresponding period in 2008-09.

This means a 25 per cent shortfall. For, the government considers July 31 the second most crucial cut-off date for an assessment of crop prospects.

The shortage in coverage means the country would have to bear with at least a 16 per cent fall in production compared to the performance in the last kharif season.

While sowing of coarse cereals and cotton has improved, jute and sugar cane are marginally below last year’s coverage.

In a bid to provide relief to paddy farmers, the Cabinet on Thursday agreed to extend a budgetary subsidy of Rs.1,000 on diesel to those who relied on pumpsets for irrigation, Mr. Pawar told journalists.

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