State to triple subsidised seed for rabi crop

In the rabi season of 2008-09,12 lakh quintals of subsidised seed was distributed. This time round,as much as 34 lakh quintals will be subsidised.

Against a target of 172 lakh MT of foodgrains in kharif — which includes paddy and coarse grains — the actual production is close to 85 lakh MT,the minister said. Due to drought,as much as 50 per cent of the paddy crop has been destroyed,while sowing has not been done on 30 per cent of the cultivable 92 lakh hectares.

To make farmers aware of latest scientific methods of farming,Kisan Melas will be held at all nine climatic zones for 3 to 5 days throughout October.

During it,agricultural scientists and agriculture extension experts will interact with farmers.

There is no shortage of fertilisers,pesticides and bio-pesticides,the minister said. The state government,he said,has fixed a target to provide Kisan Credit Cards to 29.85 lakh farmers this fiscal. Of the total subsidised seed to be distributed,30.56 lakh quintals will be for wheat and the rest for pulses and oilseeds.

Of the total 92 lakh hectares estimated to be under next rabi crop,the subsidised 34 lakh quintal seed will cover 34 lakh hectares.

The UP State Seed Corporation will supply 12 lakh quintal seeds,20 lakh quintals will be arranged from private producers and two lakh quintals from KRIBHCO,National Seeds Corporation and the Agriculture Department.

The subsidy for the rabi seed crop will be at the rate of Rs 900 per quintal for wheat and Rs 2,000 per quintal each for pulses and oilseeds.