Yeddyurappa proposes farm loan at one per cent next fiscal

“The state government has been advancing agricultural loans at three per cent interest and it will be reduced to one per cent in the next budget,” Yeddyurappa said at ‘Organic Dialogue at Farmer’s Courtyard’ in Halyal village of the taluk on Saturday.

Yeddyurappa said attempts were made to unseat him on account of his stringent measures to curb illegal mining and plunder of natural resources. “But no one can dethrone me. I won’t fear as long as I enjoy people’s confidence,” he declared.

Cattle loan

Later, speaking to mediapersons, Yeddyurappa said measures would be taken to disburse loan up to Rs 60,000 to 2,000 farmers each in all the taluks for the purpose of purchase of cattle. The loan would carry six per cent interest. Subsidy on purchase of tractors for agricultural purposes will be given to at least 10 farmers in each taluk, after consulting the departments concerned. Referring to promotion of organic farming, he said steps have been taken for certification and marketing of organic products and all efforts would be made to increase the number of organic farmers by one lakh, every year.

Earlier, the chief minister was taken in a procession on bullock cart in the village. He planted saplings in the land of Ningamma Belavatagi, an organic farmer. He had traditional North Karnataka food at the farmer’s house. However, a dialogue with farmers scheduled earlier could was not held. The chief minister clarified that the dialogue could not be held since he had to take in another programme in Hubli.