Doubling farm income with irrigation in India.

The finance minister has reiterated that the government is committed to doubling of farm incomes within five years. This is heartening, although we are not sure what is the base-year income one is taking to double. But deciphering his strategy from allocation of funds, three things stand out: one, irrigation seems to be a prime INSTRUMENT. The total funds from the Centre for irrigation would amount to more than Rs 32,000 crore. Second, interest subvention on credit also amounts to Rs 15,000 crore; and, thirdly, insurance premium subsidy is continue