Farm sector to remain base of economy in Madhya Pradesh

The state government on Tuesday indicated in the Assembly that the farm sector would continue to remain the bedrock of the economy.

 

The budget, which state finance minister termed as the foundation of government's Vision 2018 document, earmarked an outlay of Rs 22413 crore (20%) of the total budget for agriculture. The total budgetary provisions touched Rs 117,040 crore.

The agriculture sector would be provided an amount of Rs 4 crore for skill upgradation to provide training to women to lure them to farm sector.

State finance minister Jayant Malaiyya has gone for skill upgradation and private sector investment for creation of jobs. An amount of Rs 450 crore has been sanctioned for investment promotion schemes.

Further, an amount of Rs 66 crore has been allocated for Mukhya Mantri Swarojgar Yojana, aimed at motivating young entrepreneuRs to set up their own enterprises.

Additional outlay of Rs 5,714 crore has been earmarked for irrigation purpose to cover an area of 35 lakh hectare in the 12th five year plan.

However, non-plan expenditure is estimated to reach Rs 62,750 crore or 15% more than that of the previous year.

"Of this, Rs 30,000 crore approximately goes to salaries and pension. But it cannot be pared," the finance minister said. Boasting 25% growth in agriculture sector, the minister said that agriculture would continue to get succour from state government. He announced Rs 150 per quintal bonus on maize crop as it is mainly grown by tribal farmers. "There will be a provision of Rs 1,050 crore for the purpose," the minister said. He also made a power tariff subsidy of Rs 2,500 crore, Rs 950 crore for separation of power feeders to ensure more power supply to farm sector, Rs 900 crore for crop insurance scheme which was just Rs 48 crore in 2013-14, Rs 421 crore for short term loans at zero percent interest farm loans, Rs 861 crore for veterinary activities, Rs 590 crore for horticulture and Rs 227 crore for grant on agriculture pumps.

For creation of better infrastructure , Malaiyya allocated Rs 5,646 for roads, Rs 7,985 crore for energy sector, Rs 589 crore for drinking water project and Rs 11,922 crore for primary education, Rs 5,296 crore for higher education, Rs 4,828 crore for health, Rs 16,875 crore for social sector including Rs 778 crore for Ladli Laxmi scheme.

The Home department has been allocated Rs 4,817 crore of which an investment of Rs 429 crore would be made for installation of closed circuit television camera. Environmental improvement has been allocated Rs 2,712 crore.