Budget spells Rs 3,828 crore for irrigation

Mumbai, Mar 22 (UNI) An outlay of Rs 3,828.77 crore has been made available for major, medium and minor irrigation projects and an outlay of Rs 438 crore has been proposed for Maharashtra water sector improvement project.

The Budget, presented by state Finance Minister Jayant Patil for the year 2006-07, stated that about two lakh hectare area is expected to come under the irrigation command.

A provision of capital outlay worth Rs 650 crore has been proposed for hydro power projects, while Rs 20 crore has been proposed for khar land development scheme.

An assistance of Rs 473.47 crore has been given to about 15 lakh floor affected farmers.

Mr Patil said with a view to give relief to distressed farmers, various developmental activities have been provided to them through special package for six districts of Vidarbha.

He said a provision of Rs 450 crore has been proposed for giving financial assistance of Rs 1,500 per hectare to all the cotton growing farmers in the state.

A subsidy of Rs 9.87 crore has been paid to the beneficiary farmers in six districts of Vidarbha for insurance premium for the year 2007-08 under national agricultural insurance scheme.

A provision of Rs 21 crore has been proposed for 2007-08 for premium subsidy to small and marginal farmers in the state while an outlay of Rs 10.02 crore has been proposed for micro irigation.

UNI