JOIN USThe distribution of Soil Health Card to the farmers will be completed within the next three years, said Agricultre Minister Krishna Byre Gowda.
Addressing the media during his visit to Matadoddi village, Maddur taluk, to inspect paddy cultivation under ‘Sri’ method, he said the card would be distributed to all the farmers after testing their soil. The farmers have been using chemical fertilisers without exactly knowing the condition of the soil, which affects the soil, he said.
“Steps are being taken to provide a scientific solution to the problems faced by the farmers. Centres will be opened to lend tractors, tillers and other farming equipment with affordable rent to address the problem of shortage of agricultural labourers”, he said.
The department of Agriculture should not be limited to just seeds and fertiliser distribution centres, but the officials should visit lands of farmers and understand their problems. They should adopt technological advances in the field, he stressed.
Krishi Bhagya
Explaining about the Krishi Bhagya scheme where it is alleged that not all villages were being preferred, he said suitable steps would be taken after holding discussions with the officials. The Rs 500 crore Krishi Bhagya scheme was suitable to rain dependent villages. Applications not selected this year would be considered next year, he assured.
The issue related to hulling of paddy has been solved, with the price for hulling had been fixed and the rice mill owners accepting the same, he said. If the prices of paddy crashes, the government would procure it under support price, he added.
Visit to fields
The minister when he visited agricultural fields where paddy is being grown under ‘Sri’ method in 200 acres, interacted with the progressive farmer and sought his experiences. While the farmers complained of shortage of water to the village situated at the tail end of the district, Byre Gowda said he would hold discussions with the officials of Cauvery Neeravari Nigam, in this regard.