The State Government on Monday announced a new comprehensive Agriculture Business Policy - 2016 in a bid to take holistic approach towards the agriculture sector in Gujarat.
As per the new policy 25 per cent of project cost subsidy up to Rs 50 lakh to set up, expand, diversify, modernize the agro and food processing unit has been given. Provision of 25 per cent of project cost subsidy up to Rs 500 lakh for cold chain, food irradiation plant, pack house, Food Park etc. has been made. Another important feature of the policy is 25 per cent of project cost subsidy up to Rs 250 lakh to set up primary processing center, collection center in rural areas. The State Government has also decided to give 7.5 per cent interest assistance on term loan in limit of maximum Rs 150 lakh for five years period to set up agro and food processing unit, it expansion, diversification and modernisation.
launching the 12th edition of statewide Krishi Mahotsav from Anand in central Gujarat, Gujarat Chief Minister Anandiben said that under the new comprehensive Agricultural Business Policy-2016 the state government wanted to open the doors of global trade for farmers and youth of the state through modern farming, food processing and establishing value chain from farm to global commodity markets.
The Chief Minister claimed that her Government was pro-farmer. She said her government had been encouraging organic farming and was setting up an organic farming university. Patel further said that Gujarat Government was taking measures to prevent adulteration in fertilizers and milk, while it would provide land at concessional rates to agricultural produce marketing committees (APMCs) and milk distribution centres.
The Government planned to provide one lakh new electricity connections during the Krishi Mahotsav, loan at one per cent interest, allocation of Rs 10 crore for drip irrigation and Rs 100 crore to check damage to crops by animals, she said.