HP waives stamp duty for farm loans

Dharamshala, Oct 8 (UNI) The Himachal Pradesh Government has waived stamp duty for farmers for taking agricultural loan state Agriculture Minister Raj Krishan Gaur said today.

Inaugurating an agricultural officers workshop on rabi crops at CSK Himachal Pradesh Agricultural University here, he said the decision to waive the duty was taken at a Cabinet meeting recently to help the farmers of the state.

Referring to the Rs 100 crore subsidy on various food-items in fair prices shops of the state, he said Himachal was the only state in the country to make a provision for this.

Since the state was still dependent on central pool for foodgrains, the scientists must make efforts to increase the farm production to make the state self sufficient on food front, he said.

''This will also help the farmers in raising their socio-economic status.'' Mr Gaur underlined the importance of striking a balance between traditional and modern thinking, planning and strategizing for farm growth.

UNI