Farmers to get up to 90% support for biogas units; up to 75% subsidy for soil conditioners and manure production
PANAJI
The Goa government has launched a new scheme called “Development of Manures & Fertilisers” to help farmers improve soil health, promote organic farming, and use farm waste to produce renewable energy.
The Directorate of Agriculture said the scheme has four main goals: correcting soil pH and nutrient gaps through soil testing; supporting micronutrient use; converting livestock waste into renewable energy with biogas plants; and promoting the production of organic manure and vermicompost from farm waste.
Under the scheme, farmers will get a 75 per cent subsidy on soil conditioners like rock phosphate, agricultural lime, and dolomite. The benefit will be limited to Rs 6,000 per hectare and up to four hectares per farmer. Micronutrients such as zinc, boron, and magnesium sulphate will also be subsidised at 75 per cent, with a maximum of Rs 7,500 per hectare.
To promote biogas units, the government will provide a 90 per cent subsidy on the installation cost, including excavation, transport, and GST. Farmers will also get a 20 per cent subsidy for repairs after six years of use.
“The incentive structure for promoters involved in the installation of biogas plants aims to encourage field staff, including Agriculture Assistants, Field Assistants and Krishi Mitra, to actively participate in promoting biogas plants. The incentive amount for Constructed Biogas will be Rs 1500 per unit,” it added.
For organic farming, the scheme offers a 75 per cent subsidy for building organic manure pits, with a cost of Rs 1,950 per cubic metre. Portable HDPE-based organic manure units will be supported at 90 per cent subsidy, up to three units per farmer.
Vermicompost units will be subsidised at 75 per cent of the cost, with support of Rs 1,950 per cubic metre. Farmers can also choose portable vermi-beds or composting bins, which will be subsidised at 90 per cent, capped at Rs 7,500 per farmer.
