Agriculture first, industries next, says Puttannaiah

Ramdas makes mockery of son of soil; ryots resolve 13 decisions

He was speaking in the backdrop of the State Government’s ambitious programme to acquire large tracts of land for ‘Land Bank’ to facilitate industries, at the Mysore division farmers meet organised here at Town Hall grounds.

“By reserving lands for agriculture it would alleviate the woes of food security. In case of vice-versa it would fuel a crisis where farmers will opt for mass suicide”, Puttannaiah warned. However, he clarified that the farmers are not against any development works.

Giving a clarion call to the farmers Puttannaiah said ryots have to mull over the relevant issues as the latter lacks political will, bill and also agenda. By becoming politically strong the farmers can stake claim for a separate policy that could enhance life security.

Pointing at Member of Parliament H Vishwanath, Puttannaiah said MPs from the State are united when compared to neighbouring States. Be it any issue, lobbyists from North Indian States gain over their Southern counterparts.

In a mocking tone without taking the name of Janata Dal (Secular) supremo H D Deve Gowda, Medical Education and District In-charge Minister S A Ramdas said though a leader from the State claiming himself as ‘son of the soil’ decorated the seat of Prime Minister, farmers woes still remain unaddressed.

Said Ramdas, unlike previous governments that did nothing for farmers welfare, the current government headed by Chief Minister B S Yeddyurappa has launched several farmer friendly programmes. Loans issued to the farmers at three per cent interest rate will be slashed to one per cent from next year, Ramdas claimed.

Decisions

Prominent among the decisions taken at the meeting were-implementing the recommendations of the Dr M S Swaminathan Commission, representation of farmers in Central Agriculture Prices Commission, revocation of ban on exporting rice and also stop importing the commodity, fixing of atleast Rs 1,500 for medium quality paddy and Rs 1,800 for the good quality.

Most importantly, the price per tonne of sugar cane has to be fixed at Rs 2,500, besides Rs 150 per kg of tobacco. Due to fall in tobacco price from Rs 120 to Rs 94 the farmers cultivating that crop are in distress. Also the Centre has to direct the banks to give 50 per cent subsidy on loans advanced to the farmers during repayment.

Member of Parliaments H Vishwanath and R Dhruvanarayan, KRRS General Secretary Badagalapura Nagendra, leaders Chamarasa Mali Patel, K S Nanjundegowda and others were present.

Flays seers

Puttannaiah alleged the seers who came out in open speaking in favour of Chief Minister B S Yeddyurappa during the recent political crisis, saying ‘it’s a grave insult to the society’.

Instead of raising voice against corruption, the seers have indulge in politics and casteism. “Mutts mirroring caste are dangerous”, Puttannaiah said.