Farmers advised to go for alternative crops

Ragi, jowar, sunflower, horsegram could be cultivated if the rains last till the end of August. Ragi cultivation could be taken up if the rains appear in the month of September.
 Sowing seeds, pesticides and organic manures are being distributed at concessional rates for the year 2009-10.

 Interested and needy farmers can contact the Raitha Samparka Kendra for more details on the facilities made available, said a release from Assistant Director of Agriculture Department.

Crop insurance
National Crop Insurance Scheme has been introduced for the kharif crops in the taluk. The scheme provides indemnity against loss of crops due to natural calamities and pest attack.
Crop insurance is mandatory for farmers who have obtained crop loans.

Sep 30 is the last date to submit application to avail the benefit of the crop insurance for farmers who have availed crop loans and those who have not borrowed crop loan will have to submit the application for crop insurance within Aug 31.

The applicants will have to submit details on their land holding while submitting the application.

The scheme also provides for financial assistance of 10 pc of the premium to the small and marginal farmers.

More details can be obtained from the nearest Raitha Samparka Kendra or the office of Assistant Director of Agriculture, according to a release from the office of the Assistant Director of Agriculture.