Yeddyurappa presents pro-farmer budget

Bangalore, July 17 : Chief Minister B.S. Yeddyurappa on Thursday presented a smooth, pro-farmer budget ahead of the Lok Sabha polls.

Some of the highlights of the budget by the first ever Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government in south India include free power supply to irrigation pump sets up to ten horsepower from August 1, Rs two incentive to per litre of milk allocation of Rs 500 crore for Agriculture Revolving Fund and setting up of an "Agriculture Mission" headed by the Chief Minister.

The retiring age of the government employees has been raised to 60 years.

As committed by the BJP's in its election manifesto a comprehensive plan and investment to develop Bangalore's infrastructure was envisaged in the budget.

While talking to media after the presentation of the budget, Yeddyurappa made it clear that it was a pro farmer budget and a fulfilment of the promises made in the BJP's election manifesto.

At the time of presenting the budget in the house, Yeddyurappa also announced a one time benefit of Rs 1000 per family to 50 lakh small and marginal farmers who were dependent totally on dry farming due to failure of rains.

He also announced that loans at three per cent interest would be given to farmers, fishermen and weavers.

Sthree Shakthi self help groups would get six per cent interest subsidy on loans. A special commission would be promoted for organic farming. By Kestur Vasuki

ANI