Letter to BS: Direct income support for farmers tough to implement

As far as Odisha's KALIA scheme is concerned, there is misinformation in the national media that share-croppers are also paid assistance at the rate of Rs 5 ,000 per season for five crop seasons

This refers to "Good on paper" (January 24). Direct credit of income support to farmers abolishing the present system of indirect subsidies may result in misutilisation of the assistance by the farmers since they are always in need of money. Again, if subsidies on fertiliser, electricity etc is abolished, there will be a hue and cry by farmers and political parties. It will be difficult to implement but if the economy can sustain it, direct credit can be given since farmers get less subsidy than other sectors in comparison to their contribution to the economy.

As far as Odisha's KALIA scheme