CM promises Rs 2,800 cr bonus for farmers

Hyderabad, Mar 12 (UNI) Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Y S Rajasekhara Reddy today said his government would provide bonus on crops to benefit all peasants, including tenant farmers,from coming Kharif season in a bid to create ''Rytu Raj'' in the State.

Estimating the crop production at about Rs 28,000 crore during the Kharif season in the State, he said, during a video conference with District Agriculture Department officials, that ten per cent of the crop production would be given back to farmers as bonus. The officials concerned had been asked to work out the modalities.

Pointing out the State's farmers would benefit to the extent of over Rs 10,000 crore following the Centre's farm loan interest waiver and one-time settlement, he recalled farmers in 16 distress districts had got a benefit of Rs 2,000 crore by way of interest waiver.

Complimenting the officials for the State for record production of 190 lakh tonne this year, he asked the officials to gear up and ensure crop production and productivity improved as also production in farm-allied sectors, including fisheries and cattle rearing.

Implementing the ''Jalayaganam''(irrigation initiative) on a war footing, as many as 14 lakh acre were provided assured irrigation facilities till now and another 20 lakh acre would be provided water by March next year.

Dr Reddy said 25,000 more model farmers would be appointed this year,besides the similar number appointed last year, to propagate the best farm practices among the farming community.

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