Subsidy on diggers, graders and planters for potato cultivation

By Punjabnewswire4u

CHANDIGARH, APRIL 24

          In a bid to boost potato cultivation in the state, Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal today announced to enhance the subsidy on diggers, graders and planters from 10% to 50%.

          A decision to this effect was taken by Mr. Badal during a meeting with      a deputation of potato growers of the state at CM’s residence this morning.

          The Chief Minister apprised the delegation that Punjab Government had already initiated the process for setting up of Indo-Dutch Potato and Seed Centre as a joint venture with the Holland. A Dutch team would visit India in the month of May when all the modalities would be finalized in consultation with GoI, added Mr. Badal. He directed the Financial Commissioner Development to expedite the process and take up matter with GoI for early setting up this centre.

The Chief Minister further asked FCD to immediately tackle the inadequate availability of quality potato seeds to the farmers by taking up this issue with the concerned private companies which were currently providing potato seeds to the farmers of Punjab.

Mr. Badal assured the farmers that state government would chalk out the modalities to establish Tissue Culture Laboratory at Moga. He also called upon the potato growers to adopt solar pumps for potato irrigation to save the ground water besides establishing small processing units for their produce for which government could provide subsidy.

On the demand of potato growers, Mr. Badal also directed the Chairman Powercom to streamline the supply of electricity in all the potato growing areas to ensure adequate day time power supply for better yield. He said that under New Diversification Plan, state government was committed to save the rapidly depleting ground water. Mr. Badal also offered the potato growers that government would provide all relevant assistance to the farmers keen in export of potatoes.

          Prominent among who were present in the meeting FCD Mr. Suresh Kumar, Special Principal Secretary to CM Mr. KJS Cheema, Director Horticulture Mr. Lajwinder Singh Brar.