The Tuesday Interview | 'Guarantees more beneficial than loan waivers as they help everyone,' says N Chaluvarayaswamy

Despite rapid industrialisation and the growth of multiple urban centres, around 65 per cent of Indians still rely on agriculture for their livelihood, according to government data. However, despite various initiatives, farmers continue to face significant challenges, with droughts and floods often pushing them to the edge of financial ruin. 

In an interview with DH’s Sujay B M, Karnataka’s Agriculture Minister
N Chaluvarayaswamy reflected on his tenure over the past year and a half, as well as his future plans. Excerpts:

What contributed to the drastic drop in farmers’ suicides in the state from 1,061 to 346 this year?

Firstly, the government provides technological and subsidy facilities. Secondly, there is no shortage of medicines and manure even in a single Raitha Samparka Kendra. Thirdly, the five guarantees have provided financial succour to families. Although there hasn’t been an agricultural policy for the last 18 years, we will form a committee and submit a report soon. The coordination between the department and agricultural universities has increased, and officials coordinate with farmers. 

The University of Agricultural Sciences, Raichur (UASR), recently launched an app to help farmers with suggestions on crops, diseases, etc. 

The e-SAP application helps farmers with answers to their problems. They just need to take a photo, and the app will provide details about the problem and the medicine required. Soil testing, which was previously scant, is now happening on a larger scale, and we provide farmers with cards detailing what seeds to sow, how much manure is required, and more. 

Why is there a 65% vacancy of jobs in the agriculture department, and how will you rectify this?

There has been no recruitment for 10-15 years. Now, we have approved 1,000 recruitments and issued a notification. We have written to the KPSC, and it will happen soon. 

All governments speak about organic and sustainable farming. What specific measures have you taken?

We have encouraged organic farming significantly. Last time, we conducted a millet mela, which saw delegates from 2-3 states and 2-3 countries. This year, we are holding the millet mela on January 23-25 in Bengaluru, with over 15 countries participating.

After coming to power, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah had promised an
interest waiver. There have also been talks of loan waivers. What is happening now?

I am not sure about the loan waiver. However, I believe the guarantee schemes are more beneficial. Till now, loan waivers have not exceeded Rs 10,000 crore. However, with the guarantees, we are annually spending Rs 60,000 crore. Isn’t this more beneficial? Loan waivers benefit selected families, but guarantees reach all.

You are the Mandya district in-charge minister and also the Nagamangala MLA. While Mandya has always been known for its communal harmony, there have been 27 communal incidents in the district this year. Why is it increasing, and how do you intend to curb it?

Even today, we don’t have a communal atmosphere in Mandya. The BJP and JD(S) have allied and are trying to create communal tension. However, at the ground level, people don’t have such feelings.

Union Minister H D Kumaraswamy wore a saffron shawl in Mandya during the national flag controversy; during the Ganesha festival issue in Nagamangala, he spoke of having compensated both Hindu and Muslim vendors whose shops were damaged. Are these signals contradictory?

They tried to make an issue out of nothing in Keragodu (Mandya taluk) but didn’t succeed. Even in Nagamangala, they were not successful. They are trying a lot, but will not succeed. Communal issues will not escalate in Mandya. Kumaraswamy only levels personal allegations and indulges himself in hereditary politics. Does he speak on issues? 

Recent elections have shown that the JD(S) has been on a downward trend, losing its earlier bastions. Is their influence waning at the ground level too?

The JD(S) reached its peak in 2004 when Siddaramaiah was still with them, winning 59 seats. After that, it has been a downward slide. Although they achieved some unexpected successes, like winning 38 seats in 2018 with BSP as their ally, their current tally stands at a mere 19 seats (18 after the defeat in Channapatna). Jagan Mohan Reddy and Stalin, sons of Rajashekhar Reddy and Karunanidhi, respectively, have successfully led their parties to form full-fledged governments. But, Kumaraswamy’s fortunes have dwindled, despite his father H D Deve Gowda still being alive. He has spoken thrice of dissolving the party if he cannot form a government only to change his mind and align with different parties.