Page 44 - NIS English February 16-28

Cabinet Decisions

DEVELOPMENT FOR J&K; ENSURING

BETTER INCOME FOR FARMERS

The Government’s commitment towards

development and providing better income to the
farmers is reflected in the two recent Cabinet

decisions. It approved an increase in the MSP on
ball copra and milling copra benefitting over 3 Million
farmers from 12 states, and a hydel power project for

Jammu & Kashmir for faster development of the UT

DECISION: Cabinet Committee on Economic DECISION: Investment Proposal of Rs 5,281.94
Affairs increases Minimum Support Price of Copra Crore for 850 MW Ratle Hydro Power Project
for 2021 season on river Chenab, in Kishtwar District of Union
BENEFITS: Territory of Jammu & Kashmir. A Joint Venture
l India is the largest producer of copra and Company (JVC) to be incorporated between
produces 15 Million tonnes in the 2 Million NHPC and JKSPDC with equity contribution of
hectare area. The decision is going to benefit 3 51 per cent and 49 per cent, respectively.
Million farmers in the 12 coastal states.
l The MSP for milling copra has been increased
by Rs 375 to Rs 10,335 per Quintal for 2021
season from Rs 9,960 per Quintal in 2020.
l The MSP for ball copra has been increased
by Rs 300 to Rs 10,600 per Quintal for 2021
season from Rs 10,300 per Quintal in 2020.
l The declared MSP ensures a return of 51.87
per cent for milling copra and 55.76 per cent for BENEFITS:
ball copra over the all-India weighted average l The Government is supporting J&K by
cost of production. providing grant of Rs 776.44 Crore for Equity
l The increase in MSP for copra for 2021 season contribution of JKSPDC in the JVC to be set
is in line with the principle of fixing the MSP up for construction of Ratle HE Project. NHPC
at a level of at least 1.5 times of the all India shall invest its equity of Rs 808.14 Crore.
weighted average cost of production which l The Ratle Hydro Electric Project shall be
was announced by the Government in the commissioned within a span of 60 months.
Budget 2018-19. l The Power generated from this project will
l It assures a minimum of 50 per cent as margin help in providing balancing of Grid and will
of profit. improve the power supply position.
l NAFED and NCCF will continue to act as Central l The construction activities of the project will
Nodal Agencies to undertake price support result in direct and indirect employment to
operations at the MSP in the coconut growing around 4,000 persons and will contribute in
States. overall socio-economic development of J&K.

42 New India Samachar