Modi govt mulls giving more cash support to small farmers

The Indian government is considering increasing cash support to small farmers by one-third, in an effort to gain support from this key voting bloc ahead of elections. The plan involves raising the annual direct cash transfer to small farmers from Rs 6,000 to Rs 8,000. If approved, this would cost the government an additional Rs 200 billion. The government is also exploring options to relax rules and include more farmers under the direct cash transfer program.