Davanagere, May 7 (PTI): Karnataka government has issued orders for disbursing crop loans to farmers at one per cent interest as announced in the 2011-12 budget, Chief Minister B S Yeddyurappa said today.

"As part of our sustained efforts to help the farmers, we have already issued the order of granting agriculture loans on one per cent interest", he said addressing a gathering at the Basava Jayanthi celebrations here.

Later responding to a query by reporters on the sidelines of the function, he said in accordance with the Supreme Court order, the state government has already cancelled licences of 19 mining firms which are involved in illegal mining.

Welcoming the apex court order of directing a re-survey of 99 mining firms in the state, Yeddyurappa alleged that all these firms were recommended either by opposition Congress or JDS.

He said the government had decided to introduce two-year diploma course in agriculture activities including poultry sciences and horticulture, in five agriculture universities in 21 places across the state.

The government would sanction a stipend of Rs 1,000 per month for 1000 such students, Yeddyurappa said.

Yeddyurappa said there was no need for a Deputy Chief Minister's post in the state and "it is only a media creation".

He said he would tour the state on Fridays and Saturdays and would remain in Bangalore for the rest of the week. Yeddyurappa said a Netherland Agriculture team would be visiting Bangalore on June 8 to discuss agriculture related issues.