New Delhi, Aug 12 (IANS): The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) on Wednesday approved a proposal for initiating a series of farmer-friendly interventions in the wake of deficient rainfall.

The CCEA, in a meeting chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, approved many measures to be initiated by state governments in the eventuality of a drought situation.

It approved implementation of diesel subsidy scheme for protective irrigation of crops with an allocation of Rs.100 crore.

The committee also approved enhancement of ceiling on seed subsidy to partially recompense farmers for additional expenditure incurred in re-sowing and purchasing appropriate varieties of seeds.

It approved implementation of drought mitigating interventions on perennial horticulture crops with an additional allocation of Rs.150 crore under the Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture.

The committee approved implementation of the Additional Fodder Development Programme as a sub-scheme of the Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana with an allocation of Rs.50 crore during 2015-16 to ensure availability of fodder.

The measures were sanctioned with an additional allocation of Rs.300 crore during the current financial year.

Actual expenditure may vary depending upon the drought situation. These interventions will be applicable in all rainfall deficit areas of the country.