This came as a response to the question of ZP President Shantheyanda Ravi Kushalappa whether the facilities meant for the farmers are reaching them efficiently, during the Zilla Panchayat review meeting on Thursday at Old Fort premises.
Venkataswamy said that government fixed interest of six per cent for agriculture loan extended to farmers through co-ops during 2006-07. It was slashed to three per cent and one per cent later. The farmers, who failed to repay the loan then, can now make use of the opportunity and repay the loan.
“The farmers who will come forth to pay the loan amount by September will be made to pay the same interest rate as it was when they availed the loan. The ones opting to pay after September will have to pay the current interest rate, ie 13 per cent,” he said.
Sub standard seeds
The seeds distributed to the farmers through Agriculture Department are of sub standard quality due to which the farmers have incurred huge loss.
The ZP Chief said that strict action will be initiated against the official concerned.
Zilla Panchayat Standing Committee for Social Justice President D B Dharmappa said that the agriculture department should guide the farmers with regard to method of using the seeds while distributing it.
ZP Chief instructed the TP Executive Officers, horticulture and forest officials to see to it that afforestation activities, roads, bridges are developed under Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Schemes.
ZP CEO N Krishnappa said that the district has witnessed progress in implementation of MGNREGS when compared to last year.
Elephant menace
ZP Vice-President H M Kaveri asked the forest officials with regard to monetary aid extended by them to victims of elephant attack to get medical help.
She said that the forest department expects the victims to submit the treatment bills and various other documents to release compensation for treatment. All these documents can be submitted by the victims only after treatment. “The victims are usually the plantation workers and coolies who do not have money in hand for treatment. Is it possible for the department to release the amount instantly,” she questioned
Madikeri Deputy Conservator of Forest Anand said that according to the rules the victim can be given compensation only after treatment.
