Hassan: Special package to help potato growers

The drought review meeting presided over by the district-in-charge secretary Kumar Naik discussed various issues pertaining to steps to be taken owing to failure of monsoon and agricultural activities taken up in Hassan district.

Agricultural officer B Shivaraju said that delay in monsoon and inadequate rainfall in the district may result in less yield this year.

Speaking at the meeting, he said while the district experienced pre-monsoon rains which were over the norm in the month of April; only 1/3rd of rainfall was received in the month of June. Sowing was carried out in 35,000 hectares last year and this year it has increased to around 48,000 hectares.

Majority of sowing was done at Arsikere, Channaryapatna and Holenarasipur. But, with no rains subsequently, the crops have started wilting. A proposal has been submitted to the deputy commissioner seeking Rs 20 crore compensation for crop loss, Shivaraju said.
If the same situation continues, the crop loss is estimated to be around Rs 50 to 60 crore.

Apart from this, the rising prices of fertilisers has caused worry among the peasants, he
pointed out.

Replying to this Kumar Naik, directed the officials to create awareness among the farmers to use organic manure to tackle the problem.

Shakeel Ahmed of Horticulture department said that potato has been sown in 15 hectares, less by five hectares compared to previous year. Crops at 8,000 acres of land has been destroyed due to lack of rain. Ginger too is 50 per cent less this year. As farmers are inclining towards growing maize, ragi and paddy it is necessary to see that there is no shortage in supply of seeds.

Deputy commissioner Mohanraj took Cesc officials to task for their negligence and directed them to supply power to pumpsets providing drinking water. The problems have arised due to shortage in transformer repairing units, which has also led to the farmers getting illegal connections, said Cesc official.

Though there are repair centres at Hassan, Arsikere, Holenarasipur and Channarayapatna, repair works are being done only at the centre in Channarayapatna, he said. He also appealed to the DC and district-in-charge secretary to release Rs two crore fund for the same.

PWD officer explained that there is enough funds to tackle drought relief. The department has been given approval for 238 works. Out of 51 projects in Hassan, 40 have been completed. Similarly, 106 projects are over out of 155, he added.

Helping hand

The government has announced a special package for potato growers in view of insufficient rainfall. Rs 5,000 per hectare and support prices in various forms would be provided for the farmers, said Shakeel Ahmed.

Along with seeds, pesticides worth Rs 1,000 is distributed. Each farmer with minimum two hectares will be covered under crop insurance and Rs 1,500 per hectare would be given to purchase organic manure, said the officer.