Agri Subsidies via DBT: Chouhan Hints at Policy Shift

New Delhi, Jan 27 (PTI) The government is trying to bring policy-level changes for simplifying agriculture, Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan on Monday said and indicated that providing subsidies on fertiliser, seed and farming equipment through direct benefit transfer could be considered in the future.

In an interaction with farmers, who were invited to witness the Republic Day parade as special guests, at his residence here on Monday, the Agriculture and Rural Development Minister said the government spends up to Rs 2,00,000 crore on fertiliser subsidies.

"The fertiliser subsidy that the government gives costs to the tune of Rs 2,00,000 crore. A sack of urea costs Rs 265 to the farmers, but it costs Rs 2,400. The subsidy goes to the company. The fertilizer is also used for other purposes... If there is a reliable system, farmers can be given the subsidy directly in their accounts," Chouhan said.

"The PM Kisan Samman Nidhi's cost comes to around Rs 60,000 crore, if the fertilizer subsidy is given through DBT, the bank balance will increase further," he said.

Similarly, he said, the government will explore if direct benefit transfer can be applied for other subsidies related to agriculture as well, like for drip irrigation, polyhouse or tractors.

The minister also said that the government is considering bearing the transportation cost for agricultural produce so as to enable farmers to sell their products across the country.

"We are making efforts to simplify agriculture for farmers. Soybean rates went down, so we imposed a 20 per cent duty on import of (soybean) oil... We removed the restriction from export of Basmati rice..." he said.

"Agricultural produce is cheap, but it becomes expensive by the time it reaches cities. We are contemplating how to reduce this difference for the consumer, like if the Centre and states can share the transport expense," he said.

The minister also informed farmers about other government schemes, like the PM Awas Yojna, survey for which is underway.

Later, he also met Drone Didis who had come to witness the Republic Day Parade as special guests.