· Allocation under Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (RKVY) stepped up by 30 per cent in B.E. 2009-10 over B.E. 2008-09.

RESTORING EXPORT GROWTH

· Adjustment assistance scheme to provide enhanced Export Credit and Guarantee Corporation (ECGC) cover at 95 per cent to badly hit sectors extended upto March 2010.

· Allocation for Market Development Assistance Scheme enhanced to Rs.124 crore in B.E. 2009-10.

· Interest subvention of 2 per cent on pre-shipment credit for seven employment oriented export sectors extended beyond the current deadline of September 30, 2009 to March 31, 2010.

· To facilitate flow of credit at reasonable rates, Rs.4,000 crore provided as special fund out of Rural Infrastructure Development Fund (RIDF) to Small Industries Development Bank of India (SIDBI). This will incentivise Banks and State Finance Corporations (SFCs) to lend to Micro and Small Enterprises (MSEs) by refinancing 50 per cent of incremental lending to MSEs during the current financial year.

· Stimulus package for print media comprising waiver of 15 per cent agency commission on DAVP advertisements and 10 per cent increase in DAVP rates to be paid as a special relief subject to documentary proof of loss of revenue in nongovernmental advertisements, extended from 30th June, 2009 to 31st December, 2009.

MEDIUM-TERM SUSTAINABILITY

· To bring the fiscal deficit under control, institutional reform measures to be initiated during the current year itself.

Fertilizer Subsidy

· To ensure balanced application of fertilizers for increasing agricultural productivity, Government intends to move towards a nutrient based subsidy regime so as to cover larger basket of fertilizers with innovative fertilizer products available in the market at reasonable prices.

... contd.