AP to allot Rs 500 cr for farm mechanisation: Minister

Tirupati, Feb 23 (UNI) Andhra Pradesh Agriculture Minister N Raghuveera Reddy today said Rs 500 crore would be allotted during 2008-09 for mechanisation of farm sector in the state.

Inaugurating a conference on preparing an action plan for cost reduction in cultivation here, he said the government would procure modern equipment for the benefit of the farmers.

The government was also planning to increase the agricultural subsidy to help the farmers.

Mr Reddy said that for supplying more electricity to farmers, the government was taking steps to generate an addtional 8,000 MW in 2008-09.

The government would provide a MSP of Rs 1,050 for 'A' grade paddy and Rs 1,000 for common grade paddy next year, he added.

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