Sunder Chauhan
There is a lot of anger among the people, especially the farmers, due to the Himachal Horticulture Department reducing the grant given to the farmers and gardeners. Farmers say that the government should continue the subsidy on irrigation means so that people can take advantage of it. The Central Government gives 50 percent grant to the states for the Central Government sponsored PM Kisan Bagwan Irrigation Scheme. Whereas the rest of the state governments are putting their share in it and all the beneficiaries are getting 80 percent subsidy on sprinkler and drip irrigation systems. Recently, Himachal Government has refused to give its share i.e. 30%, after which now the gardeners are getting this scheme only at 50% subsidy. Gardeners say that on one hand agriculture and horticulture are being affected by the weather, on the other hand the government’s indifference is taking a heavy toll on them. Farmers say that due to delayed rains, they are able to save their crops by arranging water from here and there through irrigation pipes, but due to the indifferent attitude of the government, they are feeling disappointed
