Modi demands diesel and power subsidy to farmers

Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi today asked the Prime Minister to give diesel and power subsidy to farmers to prevent crope failure.

Modi was speaking at a meeting called by Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh to review the drought situation in country.

Explaining the drought situation in Gujarat, Modi said that total dry spell after July rain has been longer than three weeks now. This will require farmers to use diesel sets to irrigate the standing crop and will also increase the demand for power supply to agriculture.

Modi mentioned that Gujarat government has decided to motivate farmers for a movement of building five boribandhs per village within a month. This means total 1 lakh boribandhs in a month for conservation of water. He suggested that the central government should promote production of grass in areas experiencing inadequate rainfall. This would provide fodder to cattle, that is a valuable asset of the farmers.

For long term solution to prevent recurrence of drought like situation, Mr Modi suggested taking up river linking project. He demanded funding for linkage of Tapti – Damanganga and other such projects.

Shri P.N. Roy Chaudhary, Principal Secretary (Agri.) and Shri Prem Kumar Gera, Resident Commissioner attended the meeting.