JOIN US'Ryots' should be economically independent'
Former chief minister B S Yeddyurappa opined that if the farmers become independent it will indirectly help the state to become financially independent.
Speaking after inaugurating a workshop on agriculture held as part of Suttur Shivaratreeshwara Jatra mahotsava in Nanjangud taluk on Friday, he said he had strived for the upliftment of the farmers during his three-and-a-half year tenure as chief minister. He had also introduced several pro-farmer projects with the main objective of making them financially independent.
Agricultural universities have been opened at Shimoga, Raichur and Bagalkote along with the existing ones in Bangalore and Bagalkote. Several farmer-friendly schemes like one per cent interest on farmer loans, financial assistance for dairy farming were also implemented, he said.
According to Nanjundappa report, there were 175 backward taluks in the state and out of this 39 taluks were declared as backward and 40 as most backward taluks. Hundred taluks were transformed into forward taluks during his tenure he said and added that if more stress is given for rural development, the state would automatically march ahead.
Noticing G Parameshwara, who arrived at the programme while he was delivering the speech, Yeddyurappa with all smiles asked him to continue as the president of the opposition party and cooperate in the overall development of the state for the next five years.
He also appealed to forget party barriers and strive for the overall development of the state.
Pointing out that there are only two parties - BJP and Congress in the state, he said either Congress or BJP will be in power in the state.