Tamil Nadu Agriculture Budget: More Focus On Organic Farming And Micro Irrigation

The Tamil Nadu state government announced several new initiatives on Tuesday to boost organic farming in the state and achieve the goals of its recently drafted organic farming policy.

While presenting his third agriculture budget, Agriculture Minister MRK Panneerselvam stated that the state government would encourage organic manures free of any inorganic substances to preserve soil fertility. "To encourage organic farming, 725 clusters will be formed covering an area of 14,500 hectares in 32 districts. Aid will be provided for 10,000 hectares to encourage organic certification, with Rs 26 crore allotted for this purpose," Panneerselvam said.

Farmers will also be assisted in establishing organic input production centres. "A sum of Rs one crore rupees will be allocated to provide financial assistance of one lakh rupees per Group towards the establishment of organic input production centres for 100 farmer groups interested in the production and sale of organic inputs such as panchagavya, jeevamirtham, vermicompost, amirtgakaraisal, and meen amilam," Panneerselvam explained.

The state government recently issued an organic farming policy to ensure, expand, and support chemical-free organic agriculture in the state, as well as to provide safe food for the people. Under the policy, the state government announced several initiatives to promote organic farming.

The state government will also implement a special scheme to promote organic farming in the Nilgiris district. "A special scheme will be implemented over five years to massively promote organic farming in the Nilgiris district for Rs 50 crore. "In the coming year, we will raise awareness about organic farming, reduce the use of chemical fertilizers, introduce organic cultivation practices, provide guidance on the production of vermicompost, panchgavya, and dasagavya, extend cultivation assistance, register for organic certification, and create markets for organic produce," said Panneerselvam.

The budget also stated that Rs 12 crore has been allocated to continue the Sustainable Cotton Cultivation Mission. The state government's share of crop insurance premium subsidies is set at Rs 2,337 crore.

The minister stated in his speech to the Legislative Assembly that micro-irrigation was the most important factor for the improvement of agriculture in the state, which is why such a large allocation was made for it.

In recognition of Nammazhvar's contribution as an organic farmer, the state government will establish an award in his name to be given to farmers who practice and promote organic farming. The award will include Rs 5 lakh in cash and a citation, and it will be presented on Republic Day.

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