Krishi Utsav kicks off in Ch'nagar

District-in-charge Minister H S Mahadev Prasad opined that it was necessary for the farmers to adopt new technologies in the field of agriculture, for the overall development of the country.

Speaking after inaugurating ‘Krishi Utsava’ in Chamarajanagar on Monday, Prasad said that the government had implemented various farmer-friendly schemes like rainwater harvesting, commercial crop cultivation, aside from highlighting the importance of animal husbandry as an alternative occupation.

The farmers are selected through lotteries for the Krishi Bhagya scheme, where financial support is provided.

There are also plans to provide agricultural equipment on hire, at selected hoblis in the four taluks of the district for the benefit of farmers, he said.

Stree Shakti groups
Hundreds of women belonging to various Stree Shakti groups of the villages participated in the event and added strength to the Krishi Utsav, that was held near Turmeric market on the premises of district Agricultural Produce Marketing Committee, here.

They took out a procession on the main streets of the city, adding colour to the event.
Several stalls were opened, displaying new agricultural equipment and household equipment.

The stalls also highlighted the various awareness programmes of the department of Health and Agriculture.

Rs 157.52 crore loans
Around 9,000 women self help groups have been formed after Sri Dharmasthala Rural Development Scheme came to existence in the district eight months ago. In all, there are 1.2 lakh members and about Rs 157.52 crore loans has been disbursed so far.

There are 3,370 self help groups comprising 42,000 members in Chamarajanagar taluk alone, according to planning officer Vittala Pujari.
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