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Agriculture Minister Krishna Byregowda has said that the government will open 186 customised centres in the state to enhance yield and overcome the shortage of agriculture labourer. Through these centres, the government will rent out heavy machinery to farmers on a rental basis. He said this at the opening of the Krishi Mela at the University of Agricultural Science in Dharwad on Sunday.
Each centre would get a financial aid of Rs 75 lakh to purchase farm equipment and rent them out to farmers. The state has earmarked Rs 70 crore for this project.
Today, a shortage of agriculture labourers has affected the growth of agriculture sector. Hence, farmers should take up mechanised farming. Accordingly, the customised centres would help the farmers get tractors, rotavators, tillers and other machinery at an affordable rent.
The government has also been asked to allot more funds for drip irrigation projects and the chief minister has promised to include this in the coming budget.
Focussing on soil health, Krishna Byregowda stated that as farmers lack a proper knowledge on maintaining the health of the soil, the cultivable lands are being degraded very fast. If the health of the soil is protected, yield can be increased by 15 per cent.
He asked the varsities to pay attention to this issue and see that the farmers get better yield and they also maintain the fertility of the soil.
District In-charge Minister Dinesh Gundurao stated that to encourage farmers growing jowar in this part of the region the government has decided to incorporate jowar into the Anna Bhagya scheme.
Accordingly, Rs 2,000 minimum support price is fixed for jowar to be distributed under the PDS, he added.
Over five lakh farmers, farm women, traders, scientists, students and citizens thronged the UAS campus on Sunday.
