Chennai, Mar 23 (IANS): An annual financial assistance of Rs.6,000 for fishermen; crop loan at zero percent; enactment of anti-conversion law and implementation of anti-cow slaughter law; free tablets for students, the revival of legislative council were some of the promises made by Tamil Nadu BJP in its manifesto.

Releasing the manifesto, Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways, Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises here on Monday Nitin Gadkari said the manifesto gives the highest priority for farmers.

He said the government has decided towards diversification of agriculture towards energy and increasing the production of ethanol.

Gadkari said 10 percent ethanol is now being added in petrol. The ethanol economy is about Rs 20,000 crore.

Instead of importing crude oil, the government has decided that the farmers should benefit by going in favour of bio-ethanol.

In an attempt to attract the fishermen, the BJP has promised Rs 6,000 per year as is being given to farmers now. The party has also promised to setting up fish drying centres and others.

For the agricultural sector, the BJP has promised crop loans at zero percent; export of treated toddy from coconut and palm trees; solar pump sets at subsidised rates.

The party has also promised Nilgiris to be declared as Organic Farming District; a dedicated policy for organic farming; the setting up of traditional paddy/millet seed banks and others.

The party also promised to set up separate boards for the development of Turmeric, indigenous cattle breeds and management of Hindu temples and a separate department for the welfare of non-resident Tamils.

Priests and cooks in village temples will be provided a minimum income of Rs 5,000 per month.

While the AIADMK government has not implemented the 10 percent reservation for the economically weaker section, its ally the BJP has promised implementation of the same in Tamil Nadu.