Pics: Umesh Marpalli
Daijiworld Media Network - Udupi (HB)
Udupi, Oct 15: "India is an agriculture based country. Farmers have the responsibility of providing food for 130 crore people of the country. There was a time when India imported from other countries, but now we are in a position to export our products to other countries. At present agriculture and other sectors are fetching us less revenue. If interest in developing the agriculture sector happens then only income can be expected from crops," said district-in-charge minister Pramod Madhwaraj at the Krishi Mela programme organized by Zonal Agricultural and Horticultural Research Station, Brahmavar under the jurisdiction of University of Agricultural and Horticultural Sciences, Shivamogga.
Madhwaraj inaugurated the two day ‘Krishi-Mela – 2017’ by lighting the lamp at Krishi Vijnana Kendra, Brahmavar here on Saturday, October 14.
Madhwaraj said, "The central government, state government and research centers must conduct experiments in better and profitable farming by providing the infrastructure and modern technology. Through online marketing farmers are procuring a good price. The new advancement in online market is appreciated by the union government as well and they are trying to implement this model in middle, North and Malnadu districts.
"Subsidy of Rs 2 crore on agricultural equipment like power tiller, plough and others will be provided. The government has sanctioned Rs 3 crore toward the development of watersheds and Rs 17,000 subsidy on sprinkler, irrigation activities. The government will provide subsidy Rs 50,000 toward cultivating of coconut trees under Udyoga Khatri Yojana and subsidy amount of Rs 1,25,000 for cultivation of areca nut trees.
"Farmers are living a tough life. They face the hardships of wild animals as there is no provision to kill or hurt them. He will bring to the notice of the forest minister and call for a special meeting to address farmers problems soon.
"The sugar factory has been shut for the last 14 years. Machines were in a dilapidated condition. Before resuming operations at the sugar factory, there is need to study the feasibility of the factory.
"Farmers are getting irrigation from Varahi to plant sugarcane which has a capacity to yield 3000 hectare. Discussions with the committee regarding repayment of credit, generating income to revive the factory have taken place. There is a plan to establish a medical college in 25 acre of land out of a total 110 acre."
B V Poojary, president of Raitha Sangha raised the issue of menace of wild animals. He brought to their attention the hardships of the villagers of Perdur and Hiriyadka. He also urged the minister to take immediate action.
Fodder production for dairy animals through Hydroponics and CO-4 fodder grass, Ghir breed of cows were the main attractions at the Krishi Mela. People were busy purchasing their choicest flower plants and agricultural equipment.
The main attractions of the mela were agricultural technologies and recent farm machinery. Attractions like fodder high yielding rice varieties and seed production, method of raising Dapog nursery and SRI method of paddy cultivation, multistoried cropping system and nutrient management in coconut and arecanut, cashew grafting and soil and water management in cashew gardens, demonstration of organic manure compost, vermi compost and azolla, dairy, poultry, goat, rabbit, duck, piggery and fisheries demo units, exhibition and demonstration of agricultural implements, demonstration of value added food products, exhibition and sale of minor millets like Sateria, Savi and Baragu, exhibition and sale of decorative nursery plants and an overwhelming display of agricultural machines and equipment were part of the programme.
Dr P Narayanaswamy, vice chancellor, UAHS, Shivamogga, K M Udupa, managing trustee, Bharatiya Vikas Trust, Kota Srinivas Poojary, MLC, K Pratapchandra Shetty, MLC, Sheela K Shetty, vice president, zilla panchayat. Dr V Veerabhadrayya, management board, Shivmogga, T H Gowda, extension director, Bhuvaneshwari, deputy director, horticulture and others were present
Dr S U Patil, assistant research and expansion director of KVK Brahmavar extended the welcome address.