BHUBANESWAR: After implementing the direct benefit transfer (DBT) scheme for sale of subsidised paddy seeds, the State Government has decided in principle to start a plan for subsidised farm implements from September this year.
The Government has started the process of direct transfer of paddy seed subsidy to accounts of registeredfarmers from the current kharif season. It has also been decided to extend the DBT scheme to agricultural inputs provided by the Government at subsidised rate to farmers.
“It is often seen that funds are misutilised by executing agencies and the intended benefits do not reach farmers. The DBT scheme will check corruption,” sources said. Under the scheme, a farmer will pay the full market price for the farm implement and the admissible subsidy amount will be transferred to the beneficiary s bank account. The Government has been providing subsidy on purchase of tractors, power tillers and reapers, combined harvesters, rice transplanters, rotavators, power thrashers and other farm equipment. The subsidy on tractor is about `90,000 while for power tiller, 50 per cent subsidy subject to maximum limit to `60,000 is provided. Similarly, for self-propelled paddy reaper, 50 per cent subsidy subject to maximum limit to `80,000 is given to the farmer.