TN CM to Give 500 Subsidized Solar Pumps to Farmers

The Chief Minister said, Since 2012, Tamil Nadu has distributed 3,112 solar power pumps to farmers at a total subsidy of Rs 117.24 crore. Now, with more demand for solar pumps, the government has decided to distribute 500 more.

Besides announcing 500 pumps earlier for delta farmers, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Edappadi K Palaniswami offered more 500 solar pumps to farmers outside the delta districts at subsidized rates.

The scheme would cost the government at around Rs 25 crore and the pumps would be given at the subsidized cost of 90%.

The Chief Minister said, Since 2012, Tamil Nadu has distributed 3,112 solar power pumps to farmers at a total subsidy of Rs 117.24 crore. Now, with more demand for solar pumps, the government has decided to distribute 500 more.

For the cultivation of rye, ragi, corn and other nutritional grain the CM also announced Rs 6.62 crore. Also for the cultivation of bananas in more than 10,000 acres, he announced Rs 27.83 crore and for vegetables and fruits Rs 10 crore was allocated.

The government plans to introduce a diploma course in the Horticultural College & Research Institute at Thali in Krishnagiri district and in Centre of Excellence for Vegetables in Dindigul district. “This year alone, 50 students will be admitted for the diploma course in both these places and Rs 2 crore is being allocated for creating proper infrastructure in the two centers,” said the chief minister.

A new park will be set up in the Nilgiris district at a cost of Rs 10 crore. “As an increasing number of tourists are visiting Ooty every year, the government will build a parking area for vehicles at a cost of Rs 3 crore,” said Palaniswami. Under agriculture and horticultural department, a total of Rs 127.45 crore was allocated on Thursday, he said.