'Allow farmers to fix price'

Speaking at the Krishi utsav organised by the Virajpet SKDRDP, Krishi Utpanna Vyavasthapana Samithi, Town Panchayat, Pragathi Bandhu SHG Federation at St Annamma High School grounds on Sunday, he said “the farmers should think seriously on the expenditure for the farm activities. They have to face the shortage of electricity, wild animals menace, shortage of godowns on their own. The society must think of making farmers empowered. To improve the economic condition, farmers are forced to shift their preference for commercial crops. The farmers should make use of the facilities announced by the government.”

Arameri Kalancheri Mutt Seer Shanthamallikarjuna Swamiji said that owing to the migration of youth to the cities, the farm land has been converted into the burden land. If farmers depend on agriculture, then food shortage can be solved, he added.

Zilla Panchayat Ravi Kushalappa said “few environmentalists are coming in the way of development work in Kodagu. As a result, trees can not be felled for the development works in the district. We too have concern for environment. There is nothing wrong in felling trees for the development of roads,” he added.

Kodagu Orange Growers Association President and former MLC C S Arun Machaiah said there is a need to implement agriculture policy in the couuntry.  Coffee grower M W Ayyappa, Town Panchayat President V K Sathishkumar, and others were present. Prior to the inauguration of Krishi utsav, a procession was taken out from Gadiyara Kamba to St Annamma High School. Farm equipment were exhibited at the Krishi utsav.