<p>Bengaluru: A group of scholars, scientists and public policy experts has urged Karnataka’s industry and technology leaders to speak out on farming displacement and land conflicts in Devanahalli.</p>.<p>In an open letter, they referred to the Karnataka Industrial Areas Development Board’s (KIADB) plan to acquire 1,777 acres of fertile farmland in 13 villages just north of the Bengaluru airport for a proposed high-tech defence and aerospace Park.</p>.<p>Although the state government has agreed to withdraw 495 acres, village leaders continue to demand that all remaining land be denotified. Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has convened a meeting of farmer representatives and stakeholders on July 4.</p>.Protect public interest: MLA S Suresh Kumar on KIADB land.<p>The letter was signed by T N Prakash Kammardi, former chairman of the Karnataka Agricultural Prices Commission, and A R Vasavi, independent researcher and social anthropology, on behalf of the group.</p>.<p>Farmers have been protesting against the land acquisition. On Tuesday, they marked 1,184 consecutive days of protest. A solidarity dharna is also taking place at Freedom Park in Bengaluru. </p>.<p>"This protest raises urgent questions about the direction of Karnataka’s development strategy. It exposes a widening fault line between industrial expansion and the livelihoods of those who sustain the state’s agrarian base. </p>.<p>"It is important to remember that the fertile lands around Devanahalli are a lifeline for Bengaluru’s food and nutrition security...Karnataka’s economic progress requires a balanced approach — one that values both industrial growth and agrarian livelihoods. Undermining the rural and farming base in the name of “development” is like biting the hand that feeds. You can’t build towers on empty stomachs—and no vision of progress can endure if it comes at the cost of those who feed us," the letter stated.</p>.<p>Questioning the legitimacy of this land acquisition, the letter pointed out that the KIADB’s own 2022 survey showed that over 80% of farmers are unwilling to part with their land. </p>.<p>"We urge you — pillars of Karnataka’s economy — to stand with the farmers of Devanahalli. Let your voice strengthen the movement toward a fairer, more balanced development paradigm...," it said. </p>
<p>Bengaluru: A group of scholars, scientists and public policy experts has urged Karnataka’s industry and technology leaders to speak out on farming displacement and land conflicts in Devanahalli.</p>.<p>In an open letter, they referred to the Karnataka Industrial Areas Development Board’s (KIADB) plan to acquire 1,777 acres of fertile farmland in 13 villages just north of the Bengaluru airport for a proposed high-tech defence and aerospace Park.</p>.<p>Although the state government has agreed to withdraw 495 acres, village leaders continue to demand that all remaining land be denotified. Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has convened a meeting of farmer representatives and stakeholders on July 4.</p>.Protect public interest: MLA S Suresh Kumar on KIADB land.<p>The letter was signed by T N Prakash Kammardi, former chairman of the Karnataka Agricultural Prices Commission, and A R Vasavi, independent researcher and social anthropology, on behalf of the group.</p>.<p>Farmers have been protesting against the land acquisition. On Tuesday, they marked 1,184 consecutive days of protest. A solidarity dharna is also taking place at Freedom Park in Bengaluru. </p>.<p>"This protest raises urgent questions about the direction of Karnataka’s development strategy. It exposes a widening fault line between industrial expansion and the livelihoods of those who sustain the state’s agrarian base. </p>.<p>"It is important to remember that the fertile lands around Devanahalli are a lifeline for Bengaluru’s food and nutrition security...Karnataka’s economic progress requires a balanced approach — one that values both industrial growth and agrarian livelihoods. Undermining the rural and farming base in the name of “development” is like biting the hand that feeds. You can’t build towers on empty stomachs—and no vision of progress can endure if it comes at the cost of those who feed us," the letter stated.</p>.<p>Questioning the legitimacy of this land acquisition, the letter pointed out that the KIADB’s own 2022 survey showed that over 80% of farmers are unwilling to part with their land. </p>.<p>"We urge you — pillars of Karnataka’s economy — to stand with the farmers of Devanahalli. Let your voice strengthen the movement toward a fairer, more balanced development paradigm...," it said. </p>
