In a major respite to the Bihar farmers, diesel subsidy worth Rs 13 crore has been released by the agriculture department. This step taken by the state government will help bring some relief and cheer to farmers and boost irrigation of kharif crops.
Due to deficient and uneven distribution of rainfall, the state is reeling under pressure of drought-like situation. Consequent to this the state agriculture department would provide diesel subsidy of Rs 20 a litre to boost irrigation.
In view of deficit rainfall in the first fortnight of June, the state cabinet at its meeting held on July 19, had sanctioned Rs 200 crore as advance from Rs 619.75 crore of the Bihar Contingency Fund, as diesel subsidy to boost kharif yield.