'Fight unitedly to face shortage of labourers'

Krishi Utsav concludes

Speaking at a face-to-face programme with farmers and experts at the valedictory of krishi utsav held at Gonikoppa on Sunday, he said “paddy is taken directly from the field to the market. We have to depend on rice from plateu region for consumption.”

“Farmers should give priority to seeds for sowing. They should preserve the seeds grown by them for sowing. Farmers can attain success, if they follow some precautionary measures.”

Taluk Panchayat member Addanda Kariappa said “agriculture is part of culture in Kodagu. Farming is worshipped in Kodava culture. Unfortunately, the present generation is away from agriculture and are pursuing their engineering and medical education in far off places. The education is incomplete if the students do not have basic knowledge on agriculture.”

He said: “Kerala government is providing interest free loan to farmers to encourage paddy cultivation. There can be improvement in agriculture if interest free loan is provided for the farmers in the State,”he added.

Taluk Panchayat member B M Raju said “changes in agriculture sector is possible if the government brings out Special Labour policy in agriculture. Without agriculture policy, farmers will have to start begging for food security in the future. This will also avoid in depending on other countries for rice.”

Gonikoppa Krishi Vijnana Kendra Senior Scientist Dr Narayanaswamy said “farmers should take part in the scientific workshop and training. The use of technology and scientific touch for farming will help in getting better yield.”

Taluk Panchayat members Jayalakshmi, Vasu Muddayya, Virajpet Savayava Krishi Parvivara Secretary B P Muddayya, experts Dr Shivaram, Dr G S Mohan were present. Certificates were issued to various departments and organisations for participating in the exhibition. Progressive farmer Adengada Vasu of Balele was felicitated. Agriculture department Assistant Director A J Reena welcomed the gathering.