Crop protection measures urged

The district administration has instructed officials of various departments to take necessary measures to protect crops as the rains were less than normal during the monsoon this year.

Addressing the monthly review meeting of the zilla panchayat here on Monday, CEO G Jayaram said importance would be on providing drinking water and protecting crops.

During the year, sowing has taken place in 19,000 hectare and with decrease in rain, there are chances of drying of crops. There would be a need to provide water to animals.

Watershed development department should study the situation and take preventive action, he added.

Providing information about crops, joint agriculture director Sangaiah said majority of the crops are ragi and jowar. Mentioning that there was a shortage of water, he said at present paddy transplantation is being held. He remarked that there was sufficient stock of fertilisers in the district.

Standing committee president Manchegowda said agriculture activity is yet to take off in K R Pet.

He said crops have almost become dry in Nagamangala, Melkote and Malavalli regions and urged officials to give attention to the situation.

CEO Jayaram instructed grama panchayats to make a list of villages, which have suffered from shortage of rain.

A Braille library is being planned in the city.

A proposal is being made by a team led by lecturer Arunkumar, he disclosed.

Member Hampegowda said the unscientific humps on Mysore-Bangalore road should be repaired immediately. The humps should be fixed with indicators and marked with white stripes, he added.

District industrial centre joint director Sugnanamurthy said under the SJSRY scheme 500 beneficiaries have been selected and vocational training is being provided to them.

Zilla panchayat president Shivanna, vice president Jayalakshmamma, health standing committee  president C Madappa and others were present.