Animal Husbandry minister P Vishwaroop has said that the state government was aware of the hardships of emu growers in the state.
Replying to a question raised by TDP MLA Devineni Uma Maheshwara Rao and others during Question Hour in the Assembly on Saturday, the minister said that the Centre has provided interest-free loans to the extent of Rs. 2,567 crore through NABARD, and a loan of Rs. 20.54 crore by banks, for the setting up of 181 units. A subsidy of Rs. 125 lakh was granted for the establishment of Vileena Emu Proceeding Plant at Nuziveedu, Krishna district, under the Poultry Venture Capital Fund of the government of India, he stated.
He said that during 2013-14, the Centre is providing 25% subsidy for a unit cost of Rs. 30 lakh for the setting up of an emu farm of a 100-birds capacity, under Poultry Venture Capital Fund. The scheme is being implemented by the NABARD.
The minister said that there was no proposal to set up a processing industry for emu farmers in the state. He said that the department of Animal Husbandry was providing disease diagnostic support to emu farms and publicising the importance of emu products.
The minister said that a request received from Krishna Emu Products Pvt. Ltd. to establish a lab for analysis of emu oil for various fatty acids to facilitate exports is under consideration of the Department. (INN)