20 lakh farmers will get solar pumps, target to provide 15 lakh crore loans

New delhi date. February 1, 2020, Saturday

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitaram has also made some announcements for farmers in the 2020 General Budget. Sitaram has said that PM Kusum scheme has been announced in view of drought-prone areas.

Under this scheme, about 20 lakh farmers will be provided with solar pumps in the drought-prone areas of the country, claiming that with the help of this pump, farmers will benefit from coping with water shortages.

In addition, the Finance Minister has announced the launch of Kisan Rail, based on the PPP model, which will be used to transport agricultural goods, farm products such as milk, fish, etc.

Simultaneously, an agricultural flight will be launched which will cover international and national routes. The Online National Organic Products Market will be strengthened under organic farming portal.

Sitaram claimed that by 2022 farmers' income would be doubled. And the government is making efforts in that direction. The government has prepared 16 action plans for the agricultural sector, a plan to double farmers' income by 2022. These include schemes like PM Kusum Scheme, Rail Kisan and Agricultural Aviation.

It is also planning to double the milk processing capacity by 2025. The government has provided Rs 2.83 lakh crore for the agricultural irrigation scheme. Simultaneously the method of Chemical Fertilizer Initiative will be changed.

In order to improve the agricultural market, a district has planned a product which will be developed in the horticulture sector. The government has focused more on solar energy. Plans have also been given to farmers who can produce solar energy and sell it later.

No big announcements have been made in this budget for many hopeful farmers including debt waiver. NABARD refinance scheme will be extended. The target of agricultural credit is estimated at 15 lakh crore for 2020-21. Along with this, a loan of Rs 15 lakh crore is also planned for farmers.