Govt has shed its perceived urban bias and delivered a pro-farmer budget: Rajesh Aggarwal

The budget’s special thrust on the rural economy and farmer welfare is very encouraging, particularly at a time when the agricultural economy has been affected because of deficit rainfall. There is little doubt that with 60 percent of our population into the agriculture and allied activities, a boost to this sector can accelerate the Indian monsoon. We can say that the government has shed its perceived urban bias and delivered a pro-farmer budget with a substantial allocation of Rs 35,984 for the distressed agriculture sector as well as farmer welfare.
 
Lack of irrigation is a major problem confronting the excessively rainfall dependent agri sector in India. In this context an important budget announcement has been on the front of increasing area under irrigation by 28.5 lakh hectares as well as a commitment of Rs 6,000 crore for recharging of ground water, especially in drought hit areas. Apart from this, the Rs 15,000 crore allocation for interest subvention for agri loans will certainly offer relief to a large chunk of distressed farmers and help in reviving the rural economy.
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Rajesh Aggarwal is the managing director of Insecticides India Limited