Sowing activity gears up in district

Of 3.75 lakh hectares of dry land, more than half sown

According to the geographical location and potential of the land, the farmers of H D Kote and Hunsur have opted for sowing cotton seeds. In Periyapatna, parts of Hunsur and surrounding areas tobacco cultivation is the most preferred. Alarmingly, some farmers in pockets of Periyapatna have switched over Bt cotton this year. Others have sown maize, oil seeds and pulses. However, sources said that sowing activities will be completed in the remaining dry lands by the end of May.

Speaking to Deccan Herald, Joint Director of Agriculture Krishnaiah said that adequate steps have been taken up to ensure the supply of seeds to all the farmers at subsidised rates. The department had received 38000 quintals of seeds of various varieties from Karnataka Seeds Corporation besides another 16,900 quintals from National Seeds Corporation. Seeds are being distributed through co-operative societies and other authorised agencies.

On the allegations of corruption in distributing fertilisers and seeds, he said the department has been dealing with such complaints rather strictly, and has even cancelled the license of an authorised agency in Hunsur town owing to the complaint of similar nature. The farmers must demand receipt for the seeds and fertilisers purchased from private agencies and co-operative societies. They can lodge complaints with the local agriculture department officers in case the authorised persons denies a receipt to the buyer. Receipts will help farmers seek compensation in case of crop failure owing to spurious seeds and fertiliser when bought from an authorised shop.

In the irrigated land of 1,06 lakh hectares in the district, paddy cultivation usually begins in the month of July and August in Cauvery and Kabini basin. The sowing of paddy begins after the two important reservoirs in the region Krishnarajasagar and Kabini reach their maximum level.

However, the department has taken all steps to stock the paddy seeds in advance. As many as about 45000 quintals of paddy seeds of various varieties are stored in Food Corporation of India Warehouses and other department godowns in the district.

Fertiliser

Krishnaiah said that precautionary measures have also been taken to ensure fertiliser of various companies without any shortage and without giving room for ryots to take to the streets.

There has been a demand for 2.60 lakh tonnes of chemical fertiliser in the region. The ryots of the district have been demanding the fertiliser of Fact company which is impossible to procure by the department. He advised farmers to use the fertiliser of other companies instead of urging a single company.