'Spl provision to support paddy cultivation in DK'

The monthly KDP meeting of the Zilla Panchayat resolved to recommend to the government to form a special provision to support paddy in the coastal district.

Speaking at the meeting held on Tuesday, Zilla Panchayat President Shailaja Bhat said there is a need to protect paddy cultivation in the district. A recommendation to form a special provision to support paddy will be sent to the government.

The Agriculture department Joint Director said that the area under paddy cultivation is on decline and the land is being used for horticulture crops and non agriculture activities. He  said that the target was to grow food crops in 66,755 hectares in the district during 2010-11. Of which, food crops have been grown in 58,127 hectares till February end.

Jilla Krishika Samaja President S D Sampath Samrajya also supported the view. “Special emphasis is being given to the development of paddy cultivation in Kerala. With the shortage of labourers facing the paddy cultivation, Paddy Cultivation Task Force is supporting those who are in need of labourers in paddy cultivation. We will recommend to the government to install similar model in the district,” said Zilla Panchayat CEO P Shivashankar.

Agriculture department Joint Director Padmaiah Naik said “the youth are not showing keen interest in agriculture. There is a need to take measures to bring youth to agriculture. The farm related activities should be taught in the curriculam.”

The meeting also decided to make it mandatory for the children to visit the farm of progressive farmers under Chinnara Jilla Darshana programme in Sarva Shiksha Abhiyana.

The CEO directed the officials to give a report on the progress under drinking water scheme, Indira Awas Yojane and Ambedkar scheme. The Agriculture and Rural Development Banks have failed in achieving the target.

Pollution of Nandini

The CEO said that owing to the improper drainage system, the Nandini river has been polluted in Kateel.

The Karnataka Water Supply and Drainage Board is slow in implementing drinking water project, he said.

Devt of tanks

Zilla Panchayat Executive Engineer said that Rs 35 crore proposal to revive/rejuvenate 112 tanks (kere) in seven Assembly constituencies limits have been submitted to the government through Deputy Commissioner. A proposal of Rs 8.92 crore to construct 31 vented dams have been submitted by the minior irrigation department, he said.

Failed to reach target

The Zilla Panchayat President took Manager of Ambedkar Development Corporation to task for not reaching the target of digging 150 borewells during the year. Of the 150 borewells, only 28 have been dug so far. The Manager  of the Corporation assured to complete the target at the earliest.

To a query on vasectomy by the department of Health and Family Welfare, District Health Officer (DHO) Dr Srirangappa said that the cooperation of the Gram Panchayats is essential for the success of vasectomy in the district.