Self-help employment societies (SHES) have become active in the high ranges with the block panchayats taking the initiative to mechanise the farm sector through them. Aimed at strengthening the agriculture sector and ensuring job opportunities, mechanisation in farm sector will be done so as to keep farming cost at a low to the farmer community.

The block panchayats distribute farm machinery and equipment to the SHES whose members were trained in their operation. The SHES members will offer their services to farmers at nominal rates.

16 groups so far

Sixteen SHES in Devikulam block panchayat have already been given the machinery.

Each SHES in the district has 10 to 20 members. The government will provide financial aid for purchasing farming machinery, including tillers, pump sets, and weeding machines.

The schemes come to the aid of farmers by ensuring that farming related works are done at a low cost and in a timely manner, and for the SHES members, a regular income is ensured.

Each SHES will get machinery to the tune of ₹3 lakh in the first phase. The SHES’ share is ₹30,000.

Devikulam grama panchayat has already spent ₹43.2 lakh for scheme, thus topping in the district.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> States> Kerala / by A Correspondent / Idukki – July 03rd, 2018