CM promises funds for research in horticulture

New campus of College of Horticulture in Yalachahalli dedicated

Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, on Sunday, promised adequate funds for research, processing and marketing activities in the field of horticulture.

Addressing a gathering, after dedicating the new buildings of the College of Horticulture at Yalachahalli, Yelwal hobli in Mysore taluk, Siddaramaiah said: “Impetus should be given to research activities and to innovate species, to add value to horticulture produces. Experts should derive inspiration from China in this regard”.

Both Horticulture and Agriculture departments should come out with innovations, coupled with technology, and give timely inputs to farmers, he said. Tracing the growth of horticulture in the State, the chief minister said, there has been stupendous progress in the field, in the last one decade — from 100 lakh tonnes to the recent two lakh tonnes of crops. It has been attributed to the highly remunerative horticulture crops, unlike traditional crops like paddy and ragi. Of the total 102 lakh hectares of farmlands in the State, 19.5 lakh  hectares is horticulture belt, he informed.

Siddaramaiah credited the growth to the National Horticulture Mission, launched by the earlier Congress-led UPA government at the Centre.

Following a demand for an additional 76 acres of land for the college, by Vice-chancellor of the University of Horticultural Sciences, Bagalkot, D L Maheshwar, the chief minister said, it was not difficult to allot the land, as the land identified for the purpose, which belongs to the department of Horticulture, was located adjacent to the college campus.

The college was currently functioning on 74 acres of land, with a separate administrative block, boys and girls hostels. Earlier, it was housed at Thandavapura near Nanjangud.
Earlier, Minister Shamanur Shivashankarappa said, horticulture has emerged as a better option for farmers for being commercially viable. To encourage more number of farmers, the department is extending 32 types of subsidies, including for equipment.