Farm industry welcomed the government's direct income support scheme PM-KISAN but said the amount offered to small and marginal farmers is lower than what is being provided by Telangana and Odisha governments.
In the interim budget 2019-20, the government announced transfer of Rs 6,000 per year to 12 crore farmers holding cultivable land up to 2 hectare directly into their bank accounts from this year itself.
Welcoming the move, Indian Council of Food and Agriculture Chairman M J Khan said: "The support amount is small and lower than the Rythu Bandhu scheme of Telangana or the KALIA of Odisha, and hence not much impact is likely."
Cargill India President Simon George said: "We are particularly optimistic about the central government sponsored PM-KISAN Yojana, Direct Benefit Transfers to small holder farmers. Though a lot more can be done, a good move that will help farmers align better with market."
KisanKraft Managing Director Ravindra Agrawal said: "It is a good budget focused on implementing positive changes to the agri sector. We believe this will pave the way for the sector to see increased participation from businesses in improving farmer skills and income."