Ryots to get 50 per cent subsidy for borewells

“50 per cent subsidy would be given to farmers who dig borewells and open wells. The maximum subsidy would be Rs 25,000 for digging wells,” said an official statement from the Agriculture department. 

Similarly, 50 per cent subsidy will be provided for setting up diesel pumpsets and electric pumpsets with the maximum subsidy for them set at Rs 15,000. The same quantum of subsidy is also provided for placing pumps to carry water from the water sources. The maximum subsidy for it is Rs 10,000 per hectare. 

Farmers can also avail subsidy for the construction of ground level tanks to store water. The maximum subsidy for the tanks is Rs 350 per cubic meter and Rs 40,000 per person. 

Drip irrigation is one of the successful irrigation methods in which the use of water is effectively managed. 

In 2011, the State government launched a renovated drip irrigation scheme in which 100 per cent subsidy for micro and small-scale farmers was announced. The remaining farmers would get 75 per cent subsidy.

In Tamil Nadu, drip irrigation is practised in 10 lakh acres and the total subsidy disbursed so far is Rs 1,500 crore. To encourage farmers to adopt drip irrigation system, Rs 45.71 crore had been allotted for digging wells and buying necessary equipment under the newly launched 50 per cent subsidy scheme. 

Officials say the scheme was very much required because the availability of water is always in question.