Daijiworld Media Network - Panaji

Panaji, Oct 5: The Directorate of Agriculture has proposed a Rs 2 crore scheme to provide additional subsidy support to farmers holding valid Krishi Cards in designated mining-affected areas of Goa.

The proposal comes as farmers continue to face challenges following a poor monsoon in the state. Goa recorded a rainfall deficit of around 32 per cent during the June-September monsoon season, while North Goa registered an even higher deficit of 36.8 per cent, according to India Meteorological Department data.

With erratic rainfall and prolonged dry spells putting additional pressure on rain-dependent agriculture, the proposed assistance is aimed at providing financial support to cultivators in areas affected by mining-related activities.

Under the proposal placed before the North Goa District Mineral Foundation Trust (NGDMFT) and Kushavati District Mineral Foundation Trust (KDMFT), Rs 1 crore each has been proposed for eligible farmers in the respective mining-affected areas.

Farmers would receive an additional subsidy of 15 per cent, 10 per cent or 5 per cent over the existing subsidy levels of 50 per cent, 75 per cent and 90 per cent, depending on the agricultural scheme or input involved.

The additional assistance would be limited to eligible farmers from designated mining-affected areas.

The NGDMFT contribution would be capped at Rs 20,000 per farmer across all schemes. The assistance would be provided on a first-come, first-served basis, with applications to be processed and forwarded by the Directorate of Agriculture to NGDMFT.

The subsidy would be disbursed through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT).

The Managing Committee, while discussing the proposal, noted that the additional subsidy would strengthen support for eligible farmers in designated mining-affected areas. It also reiterated that assistance from NGDMFT should remain capped at Rs 20,000 per farmer.

The committee further directed the Agriculture Department to ensure that the scheme remains in operation until March 2027.

Under existing schemes, the Agriculture Department provides a 50 per cent subsidy for activities including crop protection, mechanisation and horticultural produce.

A 75 per cent subsidy is provided for irrigation infrastructure, soil and organic management, dairy expansion and other eligible activities.

Community farming, eco-farming and micro-irrigation activities attract subsidies of up to 90 per cent.

The proposed additional assistance would therefore provide eligible farmers in mining-affected areas with enhanced financial support over and above the existing subsidy available under various agriculture schemes.