Subsidy on pesticides will be increased, focus will be on protection of friendly insects: Horticulture Minister

Shimla, September 03: According to Horticulture Minister Jagat Singh Negi, the government is planning to increase the subsidy on fungicides and insecticides given to farmers and apple growers. Negi said this in response to a question by Theog MLA Kuldeep Singh Rathore during the assembly session on Tuesday.

Minister Negi informed that the current subsidy on fungicides and insecticides is 36 per cent. However, this rate has remained unchanged since 1992, especially for the most popular products. The government is now working on revising these rates to provide more financial relief to the agricultural community.

Apart from increasing the subsidy, the Horticulture Minister stressed the need to protect friendly insects, which play an important role in maintaining ecological balance in fields and gardens. The unbalanced use of chemical pesticides has inadvertently led to the depletion of these beneficial insects, affecting the natural environment.

Negi said, “We should adopt safe, mixed methods instead of relying only on chemical pesticides. This approach will help preserve the natural environment while ensuring effective pest control.”

For the financial year 2024-25, the government has allocated Rs 10 crore for subsidy on fungicides and insecticides. By the end of June, Rs 3.64 crore had already been distributed, and an additional Rs 3.23 crore is being provided for purchases made in July and August.