India promotes hybrid vegetables to boost production
The programme, under the National Horticulture Mission, is aimed at expanding the coverage to 11,250 acres in 22 districts, including Cauvery delta region that is reeling from a water crisis.
Making a suo motu announcement under Rule 110, chief minister Edappadi K Palaniswami said the move was to use less water and give higher yields to generate more income for farmers.
"In the current fiscal year, the plan is to help 2,250 farmers. Hybrid seeds and raised seedlings will be distributed to farmers at a 50% subsidy of Rs 8,000 per acre," he said. Other than the traditional western belt of horticulture like Krishnagiri and Ariyalur, the government plans to bring in more areas under the scheme to benefit the larger population.
source: timesofindia.indiatimes.com
