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| Efforts to make farming viable employment in J&K | | | Srinagar, Feb 10: Jammu and Kashmir Finance Minister Abdul Rahim Rather today said efforts are being made to make farming a viable employment owing to the importance of agriculture sector in the socio-economic transformation. Speaking to progressive farmers drawn from across the Kashmir division, under the aegis of State Board for Development of Kissans, in connection with Pre-Budget discussions, the Minister assured the farming community of every possible support to give boost to agriculture and allied sectors, including tax concessions and other incentives.
He also hailed the Centre's decision to provide subsidy directly to the beneficiaries. In view of the importance of agriculture sector in employment and economic generation, the agriculture has been made almost 100 per cent tax free. The further tax relief, if needed, will be provided to improve the living standard of the farmers. Mr Rather said the practice of pre-budget discussion with farmers have proved very fruitful as their maximum demands regarding tax relief to agriculture inputs and implements have been conceded and reflected in previous Budgets since 2009. "Poultry, Sheep breeding, animal husbandry, floriculture, fungicides, insecticides and fertilizers have already been brought under the ambit of tax relief", Rather added. Rather, while eulogising the role being played by the Kissan Development Board, said its constitution in itself is a revolutionary and historic step taken towards the betterment of the farming community.
He said Pre-Budget discussions with farmers has become a permanent feature now. Hardly any Finance Minister can afford to finalise his budget proposals without hearing the farmers, he added. He also enjoined upon the officers of agriculture and allied departments to work with social obligation to boost this sector in a big way. Timely supply of good quality agriculture inputs and fertilisers with adequate irrigation facilities to the farmers need to be ensured for increasing production and productivity.
The farmers demanded increase in plan allocation for agriculture and allied sectors, setting up of seed cum fertiliser stores at village level, tax relief on import of polythene and steel frame for Poly Green Houses, provision of deep freezers to increase shelf life of milk, fish and flowers and subsidy or feed and fodder. |
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