'Tipu introduced sericulture to farmers'

“Tipu Sultan was a patriot. He was the first to begin the freedom struggle against the British,” said orator Chatnalli Mahesh.

He was speaking at Tipu Jayanti celebrations, organised by the district administration and the Kannada and Culture Department here, on Saturday.

Mahesh said Tipu was known for his farsightedness.

He said Tipu had immensely contributed to the agriculture sector.

“It was he who introduced sericulture to the farmers and had given priority to irrigation,” he added.

Tipu had opposed colonialism and the feudal system. He had introduced interest-free loans and a market for farm produce, Mahesh said.

Deputy Commissioner P I Sreevidya, Zilla Panchayat Chief Executive Officer Priya, Additional Deputy Commissioner Praveen Kumar and others were present at the celebrations.