# How the Budget 2016-17 is “farmers’ friendly” and what are the reform strategy in it?

Radha Mohan Singh: Our Government understands that the marketing is very important in agriculture sector and the government is committed to the establishment of national agriculture market. Reforms have been made in APMC Act in 12 states. The government will launch the scheme in April and by September this year, we propose to cover at least 200 markets. In terms of credit flow, it has increased to Rs. 9 lakh crore. Marketing is a key element to boost farmers’ earning.

# But farmers face immense debt payment issue nationwide?

Singh: You have a point, in order to reduce burden of debt payment on farmers, Rs. 15000 crore has been provided in budget estimate in 2016-17 for interest assistance. An allocation of Rs. 5500 crore has been made under Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana which was Rs. 3185 crore in previous budget. For works under National Agriculture Development Yojana, there was a provision of Rs. 3900 crore in 2015-16, this time Rs. 5400 crore has been provided in the budget. This is over 38 per cent increase.

# Your government also launched news schemes?

Singh: Yes. Under the Pradhan Mantri Gramin Sadak Yojana, the Finance Minister has increased the allocation to Rs. 19,000 crore which is almost double from the amount released last year. By 2019, remaining 65000 eligible villages will be linked with the road. Every block affected from drought and natural calamities will work at special block under Deen Dayal Antodaya Mission. With Shayam Prasad Mukherjee scheme we are working for development of infrastructure in villages. Under this 300 rural urban clusters will be developed in which agriculture processing, agriculture market, godowns and warehouses will be constructed.

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