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It may rain in second week of August: Agri varsity V-C

Last Updated 28 July 2012, 17:00 IST

In what could bring smiles on the faces of the people, especially farmers, vice-chancellor of University of Agricultural Sciences (UAS) K Narayan Gowda on Saturday said that rains is expected in the second week of August in Mysore, Mandya and Chamarajanagar districts.

Addressing media here on Saturday, the vice chancellor quoting weather forecast, advised the farmers to be ready to grow short-term crops. The crop damage during pre-monsoon is recorded at 75 per cent and it’s only in Mysore, Mandya and Hassan districts, there are chances to sow in post-monsoon too. In Mandya district, the situation is such that the water being released for sugarcane is leading to inadequate water supply to paddy. Instead, the farmers should opt for alternate crops like- maize, ragi, dual grains and sunflower.

For the information of farmers, the vice chancellor said the seeds of alternate crops are available at National Seeds Corporation and also its  State units. That apart, fertiliser is also available in sufficient quantity. 

The vice chancellor said when the facilities are available, the farmers should prepare for sowing and adopt comprehensive farming policy along with alternate crops.  He also advised the farmers to try their hands on taking up farming with mixed crops, horticulture, poultry farming, cattle rearing and fishery to avoid losses.

Gowda warned that drinking water and electricity will aggravate into a major crisis in the next decade. He advocated for judicious use of water and adopt drip irrigation and also solar energy to the hilt. He fretted that youths are diverting from agriculture related activities, a dangerous development. The government should initiate measures to make agriculture a profitable profession.

Replying to media queries, the vice chancellor said that the varsity has written a letter to the government to acquire only barren lands rather than fertile rich fields. If fertile lands are acquired, it will lead to decline in food production. 

Joint director for agriculture K R Krishnaiah, assistant director for horticulture Nagaraj, chairman of CADA, Ramalingaiah and others were present.

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(Published 28 July 2012, 16:59 IST)

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