Loans at one per cent interest to farmers soon, says MLA

MLA M P Kumaraswamy said that the State government will take initiatives to distribute loans at one per cent interest rate to farmers through co-operative banks.

Speaking at the inaugural of the hobli-levlel Krishi Mela held at the Rotary Balabhavana here, he said that the government has several plans to implement more schemes for the benefit of farmers. “Those who depend on agriculture can live healthily till the end of their life. However, the untimely rains has brought tears in the eyes of many farmers in the State,” he said and added that the government will chalk out plans to distribute the loans at one per cent interest soon.

Giving emphasis for organic farming, Kumaraswamy said that farmers can earn more profit by adopting organic farming.

The government is sanctioning more funds for the distribution of agriculture equipment, he said adding that the move is aimed at solving the problem of shortage of labourers.

Taluk Panchayat Member Manjappaiah said that there are several instances where the government subsidy were not distributed to farmers due to the intervention of middlemen.

The government should take initiatives to solve the issue, he added.  

Agriculture Department Assistant Director Siddappa said that the area of paddy cultivation in Mudigere taluk, which was 22,000 acres in 2009 has been reduced to 19,000 acres this year. The paddy cultivation is decreasing as farmers have started growing alternative crops like ginger and arecanut. The trend may lead to food crisis in the future, he added.

Samse Gram Panchayat President Shreyamsa Kumar presided.