Scheme to give agricultural tools on subsidy launched in Thane

Thane guardian minister Eknath Shinde has lauded district Zilla Parishad's unique scheme - Avzar Bank (tool bank) - of lending agricultural tools to Self Help Groups (SHGs) at a subsidised rate and said it should be replicated across Maharashtra

Thane: Thane guardian minister Eknath Shinde has lauded district Zilla Parishad's unique scheme - Avzar Bank (tool bank) - of lending agricultural tools to Self Help Groups (SHGs) at a subsidised rate and said it should be replicated across Maharashtra. Under the scheme, run by Thane ZP, SHGs are given agricultural tools up to worth Rs 7 lakh at 90 per cent subsidy.

Representational Pic

The scheme was started as a pilot project in June last year and was formally launched yesterday in presence of Khadse, Kalyan MP Dr Srikant Shinde, Murbad MLA Kisan Kathore and other officials.

Speaking at the function, Khadse said, "The scheme is for the benefit of farmers and has proved to be successful. It should be replicated in other districts as well."

District agriculture development officer, Dr Prafulla Bansode giving details of the scheme said, tools like power tiller, mini tractor, pump-set, grass cutter, spray pump, plastic crates, paddy trimming machine, paddy sowing machine are available with the bank.

"A provision of around Rs 2.30 crore has been made for the purpose. There is also facility where farmers can take tools on rent and return them after work. A total of 32 tool banks are operating in different talukas of Bhiwandi, Sahapur, Murbad. One tool bank covers four-five villages of a taluka," Bansode said.

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