Diesel, Seed Subsidy to Farmers to Overcome Drought

New Delhi, August 21, 2012: Due to deficient rainfall and drought situation in the current year, Government of India has introduced the “Diesel Subsidy Scheme” with a view to provide irrigation through diesel pumpsets to save the standing crops and to mitigate the hardships of farmers, especially that of small and marginal farmers in the country.

Ceiling on seeds subsidy has also been enhanced from Rs.500 per quintal to Rs.700 per quintal in respect of cereals, from Rs.1200 per quintal to Rs.2000 per quintal in respect of pulses and oilseeds and from Rs.800 per quintal to Rs.1000 per quintal in respect of coarse cereals with a view to provide relief to farmers.

This information was given by Harish Rawat, Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Processing Industries in written reply to a question in the Lok Sabha today.