<p>A day-long workshop was held on Thursday here to advise farmers to grown sandalwood instead of eucalyptus, which has earned a reputation for consuming vast quantities of water.<br /><br /></p>.<p>Sandalwood, which requires less water, yields high returns, farmers were told. The workshop was organised at the T Chennayya Rangamandira in the City. It was attended by cultivation experts, sandal growers, scientists and elected representatives.<br /><br />During the programme, district In-charge Minister R Varthur Prakash and Malur legislator S N Krishnaiah Setty explained the benefits of growing sandalwood. Deputy Commissioner Dr D S Vishwanath, who made the introductory speech, listed the problems caused by the cultivation of eucalyptus in a district like Kolar, which continues to face grave water shortages. <br /><br />Retired professor Bhaskar also went into detail about the problems posed by growing eucalyptus, and Anantapadmanabh, the international sandal cultivation advisor, lectured on the finer aspects of growing sandalwood.<br /><br />Dr V Nachegowda, dean of the Horticulture College, spoke about the mixed cultivation of sandalwood and horticulture crops. V S Venkatesha Gowda explained the role of Karnataka Soaps and Detergents Limited (KSDL) in the cultivation of sandalwood and Dr Y T N Reddy, a scientist, spoke on the rejuvenation of old mango trees using improved varieties. <br /><br />Two sandalwood growers, Sriram and Ramaiah, also shared their experiences with other farmers.<br /><br />The workshop, which was jointly organised by the district administration, Forest and Horticulture Department and the KSDL, saw a rush of registered farmers who sought sandal saplings which were being sold at Rs 1 each. <br /><br />Horticulture Department Deputy Director Kadiregowda welcomed the gathering. Rudresh B Adarangi was the master of ceremony.<br /><br />Deputy Forest Conservation Officer C Munegowda, Assistant Forest Conservation Officer Puttanna, Additional Deputy Commissioner R S Peddappaiah, Zonal Forest Officer Ramakrishnappa were present during the meet.<br /><br />Out of 25, 2 borewells work<br /><br />There are 25 borewells around Kolaramma tank, but water is available only in two borewells. Just like eucalyptus, weeds have absorbed the water from the land. <br /><br />These weeds have spread all over the area, making it difficult to see where the borewells are located. <br /><br />Work on removing the weeds is to proceed in a week, using 16 earth movers, said the district In-Charge minister.<br /><br />Setty takes DC to task<br /><br />Malur legislator Krishnaiah hetty took Deputy Commissioner D S Vishwanath to task for not releasing money towards the supply of drinking water.<br /><br />Varthur’s attempts to pacify the legislator failed and Setty demanded that the money be released as soon as possible. <br /></p>
<p>A day-long workshop was held on Thursday here to advise farmers to grown sandalwood instead of eucalyptus, which has earned a reputation for consuming vast quantities of water.<br /><br /></p>.<p>Sandalwood, which requires less water, yields high returns, farmers were told. The workshop was organised at the T Chennayya Rangamandira in the City. It was attended by cultivation experts, sandal growers, scientists and elected representatives.<br /><br />During the programme, district In-charge Minister R Varthur Prakash and Malur legislator S N Krishnaiah Setty explained the benefits of growing sandalwood. Deputy Commissioner Dr D S Vishwanath, who made the introductory speech, listed the problems caused by the cultivation of eucalyptus in a district like Kolar, which continues to face grave water shortages. <br /><br />Retired professor Bhaskar also went into detail about the problems posed by growing eucalyptus, and Anantapadmanabh, the international sandal cultivation advisor, lectured on the finer aspects of growing sandalwood.<br /><br />Dr V Nachegowda, dean of the Horticulture College, spoke about the mixed cultivation of sandalwood and horticulture crops. V S Venkatesha Gowda explained the role of Karnataka Soaps and Detergents Limited (KSDL) in the cultivation of sandalwood and Dr Y T N Reddy, a scientist, spoke on the rejuvenation of old mango trees using improved varieties. <br /><br />Two sandalwood growers, Sriram and Ramaiah, also shared their experiences with other farmers.<br /><br />The workshop, which was jointly organised by the district administration, Forest and Horticulture Department and the KSDL, saw a rush of registered farmers who sought sandal saplings which were being sold at Rs 1 each. <br /><br />Horticulture Department Deputy Director Kadiregowda welcomed the gathering. Rudresh B Adarangi was the master of ceremony.<br /><br />Deputy Forest Conservation Officer C Munegowda, Assistant Forest Conservation Officer Puttanna, Additional Deputy Commissioner R S Peddappaiah, Zonal Forest Officer Ramakrishnappa were present during the meet.<br /><br />Out of 25, 2 borewells work<br /><br />There are 25 borewells around Kolaramma tank, but water is available only in two borewells. Just like eucalyptus, weeds have absorbed the water from the land. <br /><br />These weeds have spread all over the area, making it difficult to see where the borewells are located. <br /><br />Work on removing the weeds is to proceed in a week, using 16 earth movers, said the district In-Charge minister.<br /><br />Setty takes DC to task<br /><br />Malur legislator Krishnaiah hetty took Deputy Commissioner D S Vishwanath to task for not releasing money towards the supply of drinking water.<br /><br />Varthur’s attempts to pacify the legislator failed and Setty demanded that the money be released as soon as possible. <br /></p>
