'Farming, horticulture declining'

He was speaking after inaugurating a demonstration on paddy transplantation and ‘kisan goshti’ at the paddy fields of progressive farmer Biddanda Duleep Nanjappa at Hakattur, under the aegis of ZP and the Agriculture Department on Sunday. “Life has become complex in modern days. Farmers are in crisis due to labour shortage. In such a juncture, it may be convenient to go for mechanisation,” he observed.

“The paddy transplantation machine costs Rs 1.70 lakh for which the government will offer a subsidy of Rs 60,000. Even the small land holders can go for this machine by borrowing it from organisations,” he suggested.

“Programmes related to agriculture, horticulture, dairying, watershed development are being held in the district under the Vidarbha package. Farmers should benefit from these programmes,” Rajarao advised.

Speaking on the occasion, Deputy Commissioner Ashwathanarayana Gowda said though 70 per cent of the population is made of farmers, the number of youth who involve in agriculture is going down. “Due to this, we are not able to produce food proportionate to the population,” he said.

“The reason for setback in agriculture is migration of people from rural to urban areas and using farm land for commercial activities,” he analysed adding that one can lead a good life only if he strives hard. In her address, Madikeri Taluk Panchayat President Subhashini said all farmers of the district should be able to own machine for paddy transplantation.

Joint Director of Agriculture K R Krishnaiah said paddy is being grown in 35,000 hectares of land in the district. Progressive farmer Duleep Nanjappa shared his experience in agriculture.

Agriculture and Industry Standing Committee Chairman H B Ganesh presided. TP Vice President Chitra Nanaiah, members Shobha Mohan, Uma Prabhu, APMC President Ramesh Muddaiah and others were present. A ‘kisan goshti’ was also held.

DH News Service