I'll present separate agri budget this year: CM

“The general budget will be presented in the February third week. A new precedent will be set up by presenting the agriculture budget on the same day,” Yeddyurappa said on Saturday.

He was speaking at an interaction on organic meet in Bidarakatti village of Bydagi taluk.

Separate booklets will be prepared for each budget. The agriculture budget would focus on protection of waterbodies, organic farming, increasing food production, irrigation. It would also contain solutions to farmers’ grievances, he said.

Organic Farming Mission has sought a budgetary allocation of Rs 500 crore. The money would not be provided at one go, but in phases.

A sum of Rs 250 crore will be allotted this year. Cooperative societies would disburse loans at one per cent interest to farmers from the next financial year, Yeddyurappa disclosed. He presented Rajyotsava award to zero-capital farmer Hanumanthappa Karagi.

Ministers C M Udasi, Shobha Karandlaje, Organic Farming Mission chairman Dr Anand, Lok Sabha member Maneka Gandhi were present.