Mango Board on cards

Govt unveils ambitious plans to promote horticulture

Speaking at Horticulture Day celebrations at the Lalbagh Botanical Garden here, Yeddyurappa said the horticulture sector has registered an annual turnover of Rs 20,000 crore with a revenue of Rs 3,000 crore.

Recalling the contribution of Dr Marigowda, whose 94th birth anniversary was observed as Horticulture Day, the chief minister called upon farmers to follow the path shown by him to scale new heights in horticulture. He said Dr Marigowda is rightly called “Father of Horticulture” for all his contributions to the field.

More than 12 lakh families depend on horticulture and the government is keen to develop this sector. Horticulture and agriculture colleges will be set up in the State, he said.

The Chief Minister also unveiled ambitious plans to promote horticulture in the State. He said a sum of Rs 15 crore has been allotted to set up six flower auction centres across the State. He said an agreement will be entered into with Premium Fresh to set up four mega markets in Hassan, Shimoga, Belgaum and Kolar. A sum of Rs 400 cr has been allotted for the task with a subsidy of RS 25 crore.

Thirty-three farmers from across the State were felicitated on the occasion for their use of  innovative methods in agriculture and horticulture. The chief minister said the cash component of the award will be doubled to Rs 10,000 from next year. Horticulture Minister Umesh V Katti was present.