Need to imbibe optimism in farmers: DV

Speaking after inaugurating ‘Krishi Mela’ organised by Syndicate Bank here on Saturday, he said that the domination of the middlemen has made the life of the farmers’ hell. Farmers are the victims to all the fraud taking place in the business.

Untimely rainfall has made farmers cynical. About 85 per cent of the farmers dependent on agriculture are opting alternative jobs. The land allocated for agricultural purposes is utilised for industrialisation and other non agricultural activities. The number of youths migrating from rural areas to urban areas has only substantiated their lack of interest in agriculture and need of effective financial back up to the sector. Agriculture is facing acute drought of infrastructural facilities. In contrast, industrialisation is being given more thrust, he said.

Salvaging

The agricultural activities in the country are lacking all round support including financial back up.  Currently, the agricultural scenario in India is gloomy. This mood can be wiped out only by changing the mindset of the farmers. Optimistic view ought to be imbibed among them, Gowda said.

Supportive financial provisions enabling loan waiving schemes, irrigation facilities, appropriate marketing facilities with no interference of the middlemen, loans at low interest rates are some of the measures that can aid rejuvenation of the agricultural sector. Infrastructural facilities besides advanced technology should be introduced in the field. Financial institutions should come forward to help the farmers, Gowda said. Global warming is the contribution of the developed nations. Agriculture can play a major role in protecting the environment, he added.

Deputy Commissioner Hemalatha said that agriculturists are not able to sustain agriculture. National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme meant for employment generation is a boon in disguise for the farmers. Farmers can take up works in their respective fields registering under the scheme. This will help to enhance infrastructural facilities in the land besides providing them daily income. Most of the banks are supporting farmers by offering loans at 4 per cent interest rate, she added.