A delegation would meet the Governor soon to find a solution for the diseases threatening arecanut plantations and to decide upon a alternate crop too.

The decision was taken at the Farmer’s Convention held at JCBM College on Sunday to discuss about the various diseases affecting arecanut plants.

Former Minister for Law D B Chandregowda presided over the programme. During the convention, the farmer leader spoke about their problems and expressed their contempt over the behaviour and attitude of the Government and the scientists.

Shettihalli Majunath addressing the gathering said that though Vital Research Centre, Private companies and several agricultural colleges and Universities had conducted several studies to ascertain various aspects about the disease, they have failed to find a solution for the problems. Hence, he said that Government must come forth to buy the affected lands and provide good compensation to the growers.

Scientist Mahabaleshwar Hegde said that ‘Haladi yele’ disease the research held on the disease since the past 50 years has only be able to find the reason for the disease but couldnot find the solution. It is only possible to control the disease but it cannot be cured.

“Further research has to be done in this regard but at the sametime finding a solution for the problem and thinking of a possible alternative is also inevitable,” he added.

Addressing the gathering D B Chandregowda said that the people from the region have lost their belief on scientists.

He assured the people that he would stand for them and take all possible steps to explain to the Government the seriousness of the issue and solve the problems of the farmers of the region.

He said that he would also try to incorporate the matter in his party agenda to push the matter so that compensation is allotted in the state budget.

ZP Members such as H M Sathish, Radha and others were present.