Centre giving additional fertiliser subsidy of Rs 1.10 lakh crore to protect farmers: Sitharaman

New Delhi, May 22: Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Saturday said that the Centre has protected farmers from the increase in prices of fertilisers globally and an additional amount of Rs 1.10 lakh crore is being provided besides Rs 1.05 lakh crore already sanctioned in the Union Budget 2022-23. The Minister, who announced the cut in central excise duty on petrol and diesel in a series of tweets, also stated that the government is dedicated to keeping the price of essential items under control. She stated that the world is facing difficult times and that while the world is recovering from the Covid-19 pandemic, the Ukraine crisis has resulted in supply problems and shortages of various goods. "This is resulting in inflation and economic distress in a lot of countries," the minister added. "Despite the challenging international situation, we've ensured that there are no shortages/scarcity of essential goods. Even a few developed countries couldn't escape some shortages/disruptions. We are committed to ensure that prices of essential items are kept under control," the union minister stated. She further said that the Narendra Modi government is devoted to the welfare of the poor. Also Read | Centre cuts excise duty on fuel | Check new petrol, diesel prices "We've taken a number of steps to help the poor and middle class. As a result, the average inflation during our tenure has remained lower than during previous governments," she added. Sitharaman further mentioned that the Prime Minister has specifically asked all arms of the government to work with sensitivity and give relief to the common man. "Keeping in line with @PMOIndia @narendramodi's commitment to help the poor and common man, Today, we are announcing more steps to help our people. Even during the pandemic, our government set a paradigm of welfare, especially with PM Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana. This is now acknowledged and appreciated the world over," she stated. "Despite rising fertilizer prices globally, we have protected our farmers from such price hikes. In addition to the fertilizer subsidy of Rs 1.05 lakh crore in the budget, an additional amount of Rs 1.10 lakh crore is being provided to further cushion our farmers," the minister further said. Also Read | No need to panic, says expert amid monkeypox spurt abroad -PTC News