The Government of Tamil Nadu is providing 100 % subsidy for construction of farm ponds. The scheme began 3 years back was well received by the farmers of the drought prone Sivaganga district. The ponds helped to increase the groundwater in the area and to divert the available rainwater for irrigation. The government provides between Rs 60,000 and Rs 1 lakh based on certain norms .The project is being implemented by the Department of Agricultural Engineering, Department of Horticulture and Department of Animal Husbandry. This gives a three-pronged benefit to farmers. In addition to getting water for cultivation, it also helps in raising fish and growing good cattle grass on the banks of the pond. An official of the Department of Agriculture Engineering said that 1680 ponds have already been constructed in Sivaganga.
Farmers' mass contact programme
The Farmers' Mass Contact Program implemented by the State Government has been a great success in Dindigul. Officials from the Horticulture and Agriculture Departments organize mass contact at the panchayat level. Mass Contact aims to strengthen the relationship between farmers and officials and create better yields. The scheme ensures that officials are with the farmers from planting to harvesting. The uzhavan app provides travel plan of each officer and provides information on panchayat, block and zonal level meetings. Farmers can download it on mobile and can follow it up. The project aims at least 10 top farmers in a panchayat. Scientists from Tamil Nadu Agricultural University will also participate in the camps to allay the doubts of the farmers and to provide good tips for a better yield and farm management.
Crop Insurance for a good future
Crop insurance campaign intensified in Virudhunagar. Under the Revamped PM's Crop Insurance scheme, onion, chilly, coriander and plantain insurance was started. All farmers who take crop loan should take crop insurance. Non-borrowers can register through an agent, common service center, bank or cooperative societies. The farmer has to pay 5% of the premium for horticulture crop. For plantain cultivation it is Rs. 3115 per acre, for onion Rs. 1552, for chilly Rs. 1222 and for coriander Rs. 585. The last date to pay the premium for coriander is December 15 and for plantains and chilly is December 31 and for onion is January 18.
The scheme is being implemented by Agriculture Insurance Company India Ltd, a public sector insurance company. In case of crop loss due to natural disaster or pest attack, the insured farmers will get compensation. Along with the insurance proposal, the farmers should provide a report issued by the Village Administrative Officer on sowing , a photocopy of the first page of the bank pass book and a copy of the Aadhaar . When he pays the premium, the farmer will receive a receipt from where he pays. The farmer has to keep receipt for further correspondence .
