The Chhattisgarh government has started putting a significant share of emphasis on farm mechanisation through holding of fairs focussed on showcasing of modern farm implements to farmers. In its series, a four-day ‘Agritech Fair 2015’ commenced at Janjgir from Wednesday. A series of programmes related to Agriculture and farmers will be organised during the ‘Agritech Fair’ 2015 from February 11 to13, officials informed.
On Thursday, an exhibition on farming equipments will be organized from 11 am. A seminar on Fisheries and Horticulture will also be organised on the same day. On Friday there will be display of superior breeds of cattle. Notably, in 2013, the youth in Chhattisgarh possessing requisite Agriculture qualifications also started receiving four per cent grant on the interest payable on bank loans for setting up Agri-based enterprises.
The was taken by the State Agriculture Department with a view to providing a major boost to establishment of Agri-based enterprises in Chhattisgarh. The grant on loans is for the youth who had undergone courses in ‘Agri Clinics’ and ‘Agri Business’ and are desirous of taking advantage of the decision for setting up Agri-based units in the State.
It was learnt that the educated youth with qualifications in Agriculture were unable to establish Agri based units earlier due to higher interest rates on bank loans. Taking cognizance of the problems faced by the farmers and the youth in acquiring loans, the State government decided to offer four per cent grant on interest payable on such loans.
As per the information available with the Agriculture Directorate, the provision for offering four per cent grant on interest on loans was made in the State Agriculture Budget for financial year 2013-14. The scheme entailed provision of four per cent grant on interest payable on loans of a maximum limit of Rs1 crore with the cap on grant payable on interest payable put to a maximum limit of Rs4 lakh.
This apart, the Government floated another scheme for capacity enhancement of the farm labourers for achieving higher agriculture productivity with the aim of making their task easier on farm lands. The scheme comprised distribution of kits containing necessary equipment required for farm work keeping in view the time and labour required to complete tasks. The kit contained equipment worth Rs42,000 for enhancing the work efficiency of the farm labourers.
It may be mentioned that the farm work is impacted by lack of sufficient labour availability which has its cascading effect on agriculture productivity. Moreover, the Agriculture Service Centres established in every development block by Chhattisgarh government are now also providing agricultural equipments on rent to the farmers, officials stated.