Sugar cane output 50 pc more in a decade: Agri panel chief

On Thursday, State Agriculture Price Commission Chairman T N Prakash Kammaradi visited the house of farmer Shivalingegowda, who committed suicide by jumping into the well, on Wednesday, and consoled the family members, at Honnanayakanahalli, Mandya taluk.

Speaking to media persons later, Prakash appealed to the farming community not to lose hope and commit suicide. He advised them to face the challenges in a brave manner and assured to get the compensation from the government at the earliest.

Agriculture department and other government departments have been chalking out various programmes for the benefit of the farmers. The issue would be considered seriously and necessary measures will be taken, he added.

The issues related to sugar cane has manifolded in the recent past as the production of sugar cane has increased by 50 per cent in the last 10 years. The main reason for the problems is the expansion of sugar cane cultivation without any limits.

Prakash said, it is compulsory for the farmers to grow alternative crops. The problem will never cease if they are dependent only on sugarcane, he advised. The commission will hold a meeting on July 14, in an effort to create awareness on various agricultural projects among the farmers.

Officials of the agricultural universities and others will participate, he said. The Centre has already announced the support price and the Agricultural Produce Pricing Policy for pre-monsoon crops for the year 2015-16. If it is implemented judiciously, it would come help the farmers, he added.

The State Agriculture Price Commission has prepared a report and it will be submitted to the government by the end of August. A survey of 17 major crops of the State, excluding sugarcane, will be taken up soon. A study of the expenses incurred by the farmers, market price for their produce and other aspects will be conducted, he said.