Agriculture policies need to be implemented effectively: experts

Former vice chancellor of the University of Agriculture Sciences, Bengaluru, Narayanagowda said that even though the farmers ensure food security for the nation and also export their produce, the problems in the agriculture sector are increasing.

He was addressing a gathering during an interaction session between farmers and agriculture experts, organised by State Sugarcane Growers' Association and Raitamitra Farm Producers at Chetan Gardens here on Wednesday.

Narayanagowda said that despite the farmers producing sufficient food products, they are facing various problems. "A majority of the problems can be solved if scientific prices are fixed. Fixation of scientific price and establishment of markers are the long-pending demands of the farmers. The Union and the state governments have introduced more than 155 programmes, but, many farmers are unaware of them," he said.

Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), New Delhi, former director Mruthyunjaya said that the Union and state governments should ensure proper implementation of agriculture policies effectively. "There is no dearth of policies and programmes for farmers. But none are bothered about the actual benefits to the farmers from those policies. There is no problem in the policies, but, it is with their proper implementation," he said.

Formation of forums

Writer and progressive farmer Chinnaswamy Vaddagere said that though science and technology have developed tremendously, they are yet to reach the villages and the farmers.

"Smaller technologies should be available to the farmers in an easy way. As many as 900 agriculture graduates in Mandya district, have formed a forum to address agriculture issues. A similar forum should be established in every district. The forum should work as a bridge between the Horticulture and Agriculture departments and the farmers," he said.

JSS Krishi Vignana Kendra (Agricultural Sciences Centre) head Arun Balamatti said, "We need to think whether the farmers' problems will be solved if Swaminathan Commission report is implemented. A majority of graduates in agriculture will not prefer to work with the farmers, but, develop a desire to pursue higher education."

State Sugarcane Growers' Association president Kurubur Shantakumar said that the outcome of the session will be submitted to the government for consideration.

JSS Agriculture Sciences division head Mahadevappa, and Shivamogga Agriculture University former director (education) A S Kumaraswamy were present.