The Agriculture Department has launched a State-wide campaign to educate farmers about the newly introduced GST 2.0 reforms, which significantly reduce taxes on agricultural and allied products. As part of this initiative, awareness seminars, farm machinery exhibitions, and tractor rallies will be held at district, mandal, and RSK levels on September 30 and October 1 to reach farmers across the State.
Director of Agriculture S. Dilli Rao said in a release on Sunday that under the new GST policy, the tax on fertilizers, pesticides, micronutrients, and bio-pesticides has been reduced from 12% to 5%. Tractor spare parts will now attract a 5% tax, down from 18%. In total, 837 items in agriculture, fisheries, animal husbandry, and allied sectors have seen a reduction from 18% to 5%, providing substantial relief to small and marginal farmers by improving their purchasing power. The reforms came into effect on September 22.
For the first time in the country, the State Assembly passed a resolution endorsing the reforms on September 18. Following this, Chief Secretary Vijayanand issued GO No. 1137 on September 25, directing 17 State departments to conduct awareness programmes from Dasara to Deepavali, highlighting the economic benefits through comparisons of pre- and post-GST prices.
The awareness campaign aims to ensure maximum participation of farmers and beneficiaries, with posters, pamphlets, and information sheets explaining the eligible items, new tax rates, price variations, and current reduced prices. The campaign is being carried out under the slogan “Super GST – Super Savings,” emphasizing the tangible benefits for the farming community.
Published – September 28, 2025 06:11 pm IST
