Synopsis
Gujarat Agriculture Minister Raghavji Patel emphasized the state's efforts to enhance farmers' income through pomegranate cultivation, highlighting significant growth and financial assistance for farmers. The government is dedicated to supporting pomegranate farming to meet increasing market demand and improve agricultural sustainability.Key Takeaways
- Promotion of pomegranate cultivation by the Gujarat government.
- Financial assistance of Rs 24.66 crore to farmers.
- Subsidy structure based on farmer categories.
- Favorable conditions for pomegranate farming.
- Training programs for sustainable practices.
Gandhinagar, March 12 (NationPress) Gujarat Agriculture Minister Raghavji Patel announced on Wednesday that the state government is actively promoting pomegranate cultivation to enhance farmers' earnings and cater to the robust market demand.
In answer to a query in the Gujarat Assembly concerning the pomegranate sector, he highlighted the remarkable growth of this fruit's cultivation in the Surendranagar district.
During the fiscal year 2023-24, pomegranate farming expanded over 1,794 hectares, resulting in a yield of 18,119 metric tonnes.
In the last two years, a financial support amounting to Rs 24.66 crore has been allocated to 589 beneficiary farmers in the district, the minister informed the Assembly.
In response to a supplementary question about financial support, Patel described the subsidy framework.
The expenses for pomegranate saplings, integrated pest management, and nutrient management are approximated at Rs 71,640 per hectare.
General-category farmers receive a subsidy of 55 percent of the total cost, with a maximum aid of Rs 39,402 per hectare.
Farmers from the Scheduled Tribe (ST) category are granted 75 percent assistance, capped at Rs 53,730 per hectare, while Scheduled Caste (SC) farmers qualify for 65 percent aid, up to Rs 46,566 per hectare.
Pomegranate farming in Gujarat has experienced substantial growth in recent years due to favorable climatic conditions and high market demand.
The state government is dedicated to enhancing farmers' incomes by offering subsidies and technical assistance for pomegranate farming.
As of 2023-24, pomegranates have been cultivated across 16,547 hectares in Gujarat, resulting in a total production of 1,64,832 metric tonnes.
Other significant districts for pomegranate production include Bhavnagar, Junagadh, Banaskantha, Kutch, and Rajkot, where farmers are increasingly transitioning towards this high-value crop. To aid pomegranate growers, the state government provides financial support through various schemes.
The estimated expenses for pomegranate farming, covering saplings, integrated pest management, and nutrient management, stand at Rs 71,640 per hectare.
General-category farmers benefit from a 55 percent subsidy (Rs 39,402 per hectare), SC farmers receive a 65 percent subsidy (Rs 46,566 per hectare), and ST farmers are eligible for a 75 percent subsidy (Rs 53,730 per hectare).
Each farmer can access this financial assistance for up to four hectares throughout their lifetime.
The government also conducts training programs and provides expert guidance to farmers to boost productivity and promote sustainable farming practices.
