Presiding over a Karnataka Development Projects meet organised here recently, he said that the district has a demand of 3,500 metric tonnes for chemical fertilisers. 4,200 metric tonnes of fertilisers are exported..

Artificial scarcity

Still, an artificial scarcity has been created, and farmers have to procure fertilisers at Rs 600 a bag. The negligence of the agriculture department was the reason for this, he  alleged.

Speaking at the programme, Nataraj, Joint Director of the Agriculture Department said that the district has received 800 tonnes DAP, 1,000 tonnes 19.19.19 fertiliser, 400 tonnes of 20.20.20, 200 tonnes of 15.15.15, and 1,000 tonnes of urea.

Designated price

“Farmers should pay only the designated price. If traders press for higher prices, then action will be taken against them,” he said.

Zilla Panchayat President Chikkanarasimhaiah urged the deputy director of the Public Education Department to arrange for distribution of cycles among school students, since the education department has decided to distribute 12,000 cycles for students of Class 8.

In Gowribidanur, the Department for Backward Classes and Minorities is constructing a hostel at a cost of Rs 24 lakh.

A sum of Rs 14 lakh is required to finish the work, he said, and instructed the ZP accounts officers to release the amount soon.

Released

The Horticulture Department has released a sum of Rs 3 lakh for developing the birthplace of Sir M V Visveswaraya, he said, and asked the horticulture department to finish the work by February-end.

“Officials should be careful and ensure that the fund released for developmental work in the village is not sent back. They should execute work soon,” Zilla Panchayat CEO Shreevar said.

Pay wages

“The employees of the Social Forestry Department still have to pay wages of up to Rs 26 lakh. As of now, the department has a sum of Rs 24 lakhs,” said Deputy Conservator of Forests Chikkanarayanappa, and pleaded with the Zilla Panchayat to release the remaining amount.

District Health Officer Dr Anchutagi stated that the primary health centres require funds for basic infrastructure.

The progress of several other departments were examined.

Zilla Panchayat Vice-President K Vanajakshamma, assistant secretary Badanur and others were also present.