The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) ruled Karnataka would soon come out with a blueprint for the development of the state in the next two years. The party, which would complete three years in office this May, is committed to develop Karnataka as a model state in the country, chief minister B S Yeddyurappa said.
In his reply to the budget discussion on the floor of the state assembly, here on Wednesday, the chief minister spelt out various programmes for the development of the state during the next two years.
“My government is the first in the country to present a separate budget for agriculture. Ever since we have come to power in May 2008 we have strived hard to develop the state and I seek the support of opposition parties to carry on the good work in the remaining two years of the government,” he said.
The foodgrain production during 2010-11 has increased 15 per cent from 10.9 million tonnes to 12.5 million tonnes. The area under cultivation of food crops has seen a growth of 3 per cent, he said. This was possible due to a good monsoon and availability of quality seeds and an abundant quantity of chemical fertiliser.
Announcing steps to boost agriculture growth, Yeddyurappa said the government would soon take up work on building new godowns at a cost of Rs 100 crore to help store farm output. National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (Nabard) has sanctioned a loan of Rs 42 crore for this purpose, he said.
To encourage higher food grain production during the next fiscal, the government has increased allocation for farm sector from Rs 11,000 crore in 2010-11 to Rs 18,000 crore, a growth of 52 per cent, Yeddyurappa pointed out.
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The farmers would be given 50 per cent discount on purchase of farm equipment like tractors, tillers and paddy sowing machines. The government has set apart a fund of Rs 100 crore for the purpose in the budget for 2011-12, he said.
Yeddyurappa also announced construction of 5,000 houses for weavers and continuation of loan scheme at an interest rate of 3 per cent for fishermen and weavers during the next financial year.
A special development package for the border city of Belgaum has been prepared and the Centre assistance would be sought for the same, he said.
The chief minister also announced a Rs 5 crore each for the development of Renukadevi temple in Belgaum district, Datta Peetha in Chikmagalur district and construction of a building for the Kalabhairaveshwara Sanskrit and Veda college in Adichunchanagiri.
Yeddyurappa said that his government has given thrust on improving the urban infrastructure in Bangalore city. The detailed project report was under preparation for building monorail or light rail system on two stretches. The first is a 31 km stretch between Hebbal and J P Nagar and 9-km stretch between peripheral ring road and Magadi road tollgate.