Gandhinagar: The Government of India has paid Rs. 1,131 crore for assistance to 28 lakh farmers of Gujarat under Pradhanmantri Kisan Sanman Yojana (PM-Kisan), Finance Minister Nitin Patel said today while presenting the State budget.

In pro-farmer announcement, Nitin Patel said the State government has decided to clear all 1.25 lakh applications that are pending at present for agricultural power connection in next one year, before Rath Yatra of year 2020.

He said the State government has decided to fill 2,771 vacancies in agriculture department in next three years including 1,121 vacancies this year for smooth execution of various pro-farmer schemes.

He said the State and Centre pay entire interest on short-term farm loan worth Rs. 15,000 crore taken by farmers from banks. The farmers thus get loan at zero per cent interest. The State government has made allocation of Rs. 952 crore this year for this scheme.

Patel announced Rs. 1073 crore allocation for insurance cover to 18 lakh farmers, Rs. 299 crore allocation for various agriculture related projects under Rashtriya Krushi Vikas Yojana, Rs. 235 crore allocation for assistance to purchase modern farm equipment, tools and tractors, Rs. 34 crore for assistance to agro and food processing units, Rs. 25 crore for timely and sufficient availability of chemical fertilizers, Rs. 25 crore for sat image and drone survey of sawing and cultivation, Rs. 15 crore for 100% coverage of organic farming in Dang, Dharampur, Kaprada and Vansda talukas, Rs. 8 crore for setting up Centres of excellence in Panchmahal, Narmada and Arvalli districts and Rs. 60 lakh to set up horticulture division in North and South Gujarat.

Patel also announced that the State government will set up Gujarat Horticulture Knowledge Society which shall provide training for high-tech horticulture.

Patel also announced a new Vet college in Himmatnagar under Kamdhenu University and 460 mobile vet clinics.

DeshGujarat