Agri extension expert seeks slashing of GST rates for farm sector to retain farmers in agriculture and ensure food security
An agricultural expert has urged the GST Council to reduce tax rates on farm inputs and machinery to support farmers and improve food security. The proposal suggests lowering rates to 3-5% to encourage value-added processing.
Why it matters
Tax policy adjustments for the agricultural sector are critical for economic viability and long-term food security in drought-prone regions.
Ahead of the GST Council meeting scheduled for Wednesday in Delhi, the president of the International Society of Extension Education and former Vice-Chancellor of UAS-B, K. Narayana Gowda, has demanded a reduction in GST rates for the farming sector on the grounds that it is essential to retain farmers in the sector and to ensure the country’s food security. He argued that it has become more relevant now due to the drought.
Dr. Gowda has written to Karnataka Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar, appealing to him to seek a reduction in rates when he attends the GST Council meeting.
Get smarter about the news
Sign up free for a feed built around what you actually care about, Dive Deeper research on any story, and the full text of every article.
Create free accountAlready have an account? Sign in