In order to encourage farmers to adopt drip irrigation system in the water scarce areas of Kutch, Gujarat Mineral Development Corporation (GMDC) would provide 25 per cent subsidy to the farmers on installing the system, which will be in addition to 50 per cent subsidy provided by the state government.

GMDC, which operates lignite mines and power plant in Kutch, has taken this decision of providing subsidy to the farmers as part of its corporate social responsibility (CSR).

"The company will provide 25 per cent subsidy to any farm land holder in Abdasa and Lakhpat blocks in Kutch district where water is realy a scarce commodity," GMDC Managing Director V S Gadhvi said.

He added that the state government's Gujarat Green Revolution Company (GGRC), which promotes drip irrigation system in the agriculture sector, already provides 50 per cent subsidy to the farmers who adopt drip irrigation system.

"Now, farmers in Lakhpat and Abdasa can avail 75 per cent subsidy on installation of the system. This is encouraging farmers to adopt drip irrigation, which yields multi benefits," Gadhvi said.

According to him, there are 29249 agriculture land holders in Abdasa and 8854 land holders in Lakhpat who will be eligible for the subsidy from the GGRC and GMDC.

He said that all farmers, minor and major, can avail the subsidy benefits provided they adopt the system which would help them in getting more yields in less water and less energy consumption.