'Suvarna Bhoomi' scheme launched in Chikkaballapur

She told at a press conference that farmers, including those belonging to the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes could benefit from the scheme. Incentives of Rs 5,000 per acre and a maximum of Rs 10,000 for two acres would be given, she said.

The amount would be given in two instalments through banks, the DC said. The incentives would be given for cultivating pulses, oilseeds, cotton, organic fuel crops, horticulture crops, organic farming, fisheries and apiculture.    

An amount of Rs 50 crore would be given to 50,000 families, Manjula said. The applications would be distributed at the Gram Panchayat offices and Raitha Samparka Kendras, besides the offices of the departments concerned.

The forms have to be submitted within April 23 at the Raitha Samparka Kendras. An amount of Rs 5,000 would be given before work starts after an inspection. An amount of Rs 5,000 would be given after completion of work, following an inspection.

Staff would be appointed to oversee progress of works, the DC said. District and taluk level committees had been formed to ensure success of the scheme, Manjula said.

The DC warned that the families of farmers which misuse the funds would not get any facilities for a period of three years. Zilla Panchayat chief executive officer B S Shekharappa, agriculture department joint secretary Nataraj and others were present.