Tamil Nadu Agriculture and Farmer's Welfare Minister MRK Panneerselvam presented the state's Agriculture budget today (21 March). The allocation for this year's budget is Rs 38,904.4 crore, which is higher than the Rs 33,007.68 crore allocated last year.

Here are the major announcements-

• Crop loans of an amount of Rs 14000 crore will be provided to farmers

• Interest-free loans to the tune of Rs 1500 crore will be given to farmers for goat rearing, dairying, poultry and fisheries activities

• Rs 500 crore has been allocated to provide incentive to paddy growers at the rate of Rs 100 and Rs 75 per quintal, respectively, for fine and bold varieties

• Millet festivals would be held under the Tamil Nadu Millet Mission to create awareness among consumers and increase millet consumption. Subsidy will be given to bring millet cultivation to fallow lands and crop diversification to millets in 50,000 acres

• Constitution of a special committee under the chairmanship of the Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (Wildlife) to review and provide solutions for crop damage caused by the wild animals

• A new regional Startup hub will be created in Thanjavur by the Tamil Nadu Startup and Innovation Mission to promote agrotechnological innovations in the Cauvery delta region

• Agro-industrial corridor in the delta region

• Agricultural machinery will be purchased through Primary Agricultural Co-operative Credit Societies (PACCSs) and hired out through e-Vaadagai App to farmers

• Steps would be taken to obtain Geographical Indication (GI) for 10 products viz., Krishnagiri Arasampatti Coconut, Krishnagiri Panneer Rose, Thanjavur Peravoorani Coconut, Mulanoor Kuttai Moringa, Sattur Cucumber, Thanjavur Veeramangudi Jaggery (Achu vellam), Thoothukudi Vilathikulam Chilli, Cuddalore Kotimulai Brinjal, Madurai Sengarumbu and Sivagangai Karuppukavuni rice

• A new simplified portal called “GRAINS” (Grower Online Registration of Agriculture Input System) will be introduced to help farmers submit documents to avail benefits under schemes implemented by agriculture related departments

• Nammazhvar Award with a purse of Rs 5 lakh and a citation will be given during Republic Day to farmers who practice and promote organic farming

(With Inputs from PTI)

Also Read: What Does The Tamil Nadu Budget 2023-24 Have For Urban Development?