Dig cultivation pits to overcome water shortage, farmers told

Agriculture Minister Krishna Byregowda assumed the role similar to that of a teacher during his visit to the taluk on Tuesday.

While the trip to Jatavara village was in relation to the Krishi Bhagya scheme, Byregowda, with a mike in hand, told the farmers they could clarify doubts about the scheme. For about an hour, the interactive ‘session’ went on, with the minister standing among the farmers in the open field, rather than the dais set for the day.

Also, that the minister preferred to be surrounded by the farmers while the district-level officials stood by the cultivation pit in the field.

Outdoor ‘classes’

The absence of any stationery was supplemented by presence of the quirky words of the minister along with the advices he gave the farmers, who were only amused by the humour in the conversation.

While on the one hand the minister gave the option of asking questions to the farmers, he also ensured they were at the receiving end of queries from his side: How do farmers benefit from cultivation pits? Is the government actually wasting funds in the name of implementation of various projects?

The request by the Byregowda to the farmers to “Please give your comments and opinions without any sense of fear or hesitation,” broke the ice quite easily as the latter listed out what they felt were the pros and cons of having a cultivation pit in the field.

‘Professor’ answers

After paying heed to the farmers’ opinions for some time, the minister felt there was still some confusion and a sense of insecurity among the farmers about digging cultivation pits in their fields.

“Some have submitted applications for the construction of such pits merely out of curiosity, while some are still waiting for the government grants. There are some farmers who are hoping to ‘take everything that the government gives them’. But most have no clear idea or comprehensive information about such pits,” felt Byregowda, adding that ignorance will be a major hurdle at making the project a success.

The minister’s lecture on the Krishi Bhagya scheme began from here.

Lessons to listen to

“The scheme has been planned keeping in mind farmers involved in rain-dependent agriculture activities without sinking borewells for supply of water. But, the scheme extends beyond just cultivation pits, and deals with the implementation of inclusive methods of farming. With due guidance and suggestions, use of cultivation pits will stand in good stead for farmers for at least half a decade, helping them overcome shortage of water,” he explained.

“Crops often dry up due to shortage of rainfall. Under such circumstances, it is a cultivation pit that comes handy for a farmer, as he can also connect a drip irrigation system to it and use the water for months. The rainwater flowing in the command area of the field will collect in the pit, preventing waste of the water,” he said.

“We can at least see fewer pictures of farmers weeping their hearts out at a monsoon that turned truant,” he added.

“The government is merely using the taxes paid by farmers for the benefit of the agriculturists in dryland areas. There have been repeated discussion with experts in the field for eight to 10 months before coming up with the scheme. The farmers should therefore make the most of the opportunity and facilities given by the government rather than let it go waste due to ignorance,” advised Byregowda.