Sunil Lohan
*Tobacco and Ragi Crops Lost;Dr.G.Parameshwara Assures Appropriate Relief to Farmers.
*No Response Yet from Centre Despite State’s Request to Relax Drought Declaration Norms.
*Strict Action Against Microfinance Firms Harassing Farmers:DyCM.
Deputy Chief Minister Dr.G.Parameshwara,who is visiting Mysuru district to assess the drought situation,today visited the farmlands of farmers affected by deficient rainfall at Kanchugara Koppalu village in K.R.Nagar taluk and inspected the crop damage.
Speaking to media representatives after the inspection, he said, “Along with local MLA Ravishankar,I visited and inspected the fields of farmers cultivating ragi and tobacco in the village.
The crops were completely destroyed due to lack of rainfall just a few days after sowing and germination.
This time,sowing was taken up in only about 10 hectares of agricultural land across the taluk,and even those crops have now been destroyed.
From the ground situation, it is evident that crop loss has occurred across the entire taluk.Therefore,K.R.Nagar taluk has already been declared drought-affected.”
He further said that the State Government would submit a memorandum to the Union Government on the drought situation in Karnataka and ensure appropriate relief.
“The Chief Minister is visiting drought-affected areas in Gadag district today. I will be inspecting drought-hit areas in Mysuru and Chamarajanagar districts today and tomorrow. After completing these visits,our government will hold discussions and take an appropriate decision to address the problems faced by farmers.
Tobacco and ragi are widely cultivated in K.R.Nagar taluk, but the crops have been completely lost. Farmers have not been able to harvest any crop.A decision will be taken on this issue,”he said.
The Deputy Chief Minister said that both he and the Chief Minister had already written to the Union Government requesting relaxation of the norms for declaring drought-affected areas.
If the norms are relaxed, more taluks can be declared drought-affected. However, we have not received any response from the Centre so far.
Therefore, we will soon submit a detailed memorandum. After a Central team visits the State and conducts an assessment, funds will be released,” he explained.
Responding to a question from the media on increasing complaints against microfinance institutions, Dr. Parameshwara said, “We have already enacted a law in this regard.
Farmers must not be pressured or harassed in any manner. I have issued clear instructions on this. If anyone violates these directions, strict action will be taken against them.”
