Date:13/08/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/08/13/stories/2008081351400800.htm

Other States - Rajasthan

Rajasthan farmers to get loans

Special Correspondent

For facilitating adoption of sprinkler, drip irrigation systems

Target for sprinkler irrigation 1 lakh hectares
Target for drip irrigation to 20,000 hectares

JAIPUR: The cooperative banks in Rajasthan will shortly release loans with subsidy to farmers for facilitating the adoption of sprinkler and drip irrigation systems. This will be in line with the similar subsidy provided by the State Government’s Horticulture Department for constructing greenhouses and adopting irrigation methods involving less water.

State Cooperative Minister Nathu Singh Gujjar has instructed the central cooperative banks and primary cooperative land development banks to disburse the loans to small and marginal farmers on priority with a view to extending support to an “effective water management” in the desert State.

Mr. Gujjar said here on Tuesday that the State Government had set the target of extending sprinkler irrigation to an area measuring 1 lakh hectares and drip irrigation to 20,000 hectares.

The Horticulture Department is already providing 75 per cent subsidy to all farmers for drip irrigation and 50 per cent subsidy to general farmers and 75 per cent to small and marginal farmers for construction of greenhouses.

‘Enhance income’

Mr. Gujjar said the adoption of micro-irrigation methods would augment crop production and enhance the income of farmers. The Apex Bank has been appointed the nodal agency for disbursement of loans.