The New Nation - Internet Edition

THE government has set criteria for the deserving recipients of diesel susidy for irrigation. According to the decision, farmers having 2.5 acres of Boro land will be eligible for getting the subsidies. April 17 has been set for the list of the farmers to be finalised while the distribution of subsidy is to begin on April 25 and end by May 15.

The government has for the first time in the country's history earmarked Tk 750 crore as diesel subsidy in the current budget to help the farmers who incurred losses in last year's devastating floods and cyclone to resume production. If properly implemented, it is likely to help incease Boro output which accounts for nearly 50 percent of the country's annual foodgrains production. Bro cultivation is highly dependent on irrigation, of which almost 77 percent is diesel-run pump dependent. The production target of 17.5 million tonnes of rice from 4.40 million hectares of land this season, if achieved, is expected to ease the problem of food supply.

It is already more than a month since the farmers planted the Boro seedlings but the list of the farmers is yet to be completed. A good plan would not bring expected results unless it is implemented on time. The farmers are now at the peak of demand for diesel. So the concerned agencies should expedite the procss to ensure early distribution of subsidy. The authorities must ensure that eligible farmers are not left out of the list. The genuine farmers might be give cards like those disributed under the VGF programme. A good harvest of the Boro crops hinges upon successful cultivation by the marginal and poor farmers. Early disbursement of subsidy is extremely important.