Page 9 - NIS English 16-31 July,2023

CABINET DECISIONS

DECISION TO INCREASE THE SUPPORT
PRICE OF SUGARCANE, FIVE CRORE

FARMERS WILL GET BENEFIT

The Government of India is committed to
improve the economic condition of the
sugarcane farmers and add sweetness to their
lives. With this aim, the price of sugarcane has
been increased to Rs 315 per quintal for the
year 2023-24, which is the highest price so
far. Crores of sugarcane farmers across the
country will benefit from this. In this direction,
the government has extended the urea subsidy
scheme for another three years. Along with
this, the Union Cabinet has also approved
several other programs related to the welfare
of farmers including PM-Pranam.

Decision: The government approved the highest reduce the input cost of the farmers.
ever fair and remunerative price of Rs 315/quintal n By 2025-26, eight Nano Urea plants
for sugarcane farmers in the sugar season with a production capacity of 44 crore
2023-24. bottles equivalent to 195 LMT conventional
Impact: This decision will benefit about 5 crore urea will be commissioned.
sugarcane farmers and lakhs of workers working
in sugar mills. In the last season, the minimum Decision: Approval to introduce the National
price of sugarcane was Rs 305 per quintal. Research Foundation Bill, 2023 in Parliament to
Further, the government has decided that there strengthen the research ecosystem in the country.
will be no deduction in cases of sugar mills where Impact: The approved bill will pave the way for
the recovery is less than 9.5 per cent. the establishment of the National Research
Foundation. This foundation will seed, grow and
Decision: Approves a comprehensive package promote research and development. It will also
of schemes for upliftment of farmers, enhancing promote a culture of research and innovation in
soil productivity and ensuring food security while universities, colleges, research institutes and
promoting environmental sustainability. development laboratories across the country.
Impact: A special package of innovative schemes
for farmers has been approved with a total outlay Decision: Approval to the agreement done between
of Rs 3,70,128.7 crore. The cluster of schemes the Government of India and the Coalition for
focuses on the overall welfare of farmers and their Disaster Resilient Infrastructure on August 22, 2022.
economic betterment by promoting sustainable Impact: Approval of this Agreement will enable the
agriculture. This initiative will increase the income Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure to
of farmers, strengthen natural and organic enjoy the exemptions, immunities and privileges
farming, revive soil productivity and also ensure required under Section 3 of the United Nations
food security. (Privileges and Immunities) Act, 1947, by virtue of
n Approval to continue the urea subsidy scheme. which it is legally an independent entity. And as a
n Introduction of Sulfur Coated Urea (Urea Gold) unit, it will be able to perform its functions more
to overcome the Sulfur deficiency in the soil and efficiently internationally.

New India Samachar July 16-31, 2023 7