Continuing the emphasis on agriculture and allied sectors, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Friday announced that a “Vision Group” will be constituted to develop an overall vision for the State agriculture sector.
Presenting the 10th State budget, the chief minister said the proposed vision group would be chaired by an expert. This would focus on agriculture, horticulture and food processing sectors, he noted.
The main intention behind such an exercise was to tap the full potential of Karnataka’s agricultural sector that spans across 10 agro climatic zones, and also gear up the State to face the complex challenges due to such a diversity in the agriculture sector.
With nearly 70 per cent of the State’s agriculture being rain-fed, the chief minister indicated that the efficient use of water would be the focus area in agriculture as he announced the formulation of a "Micro Irrigation Policy 2015-16" for efficient use of water and preserving micro nutrients in soil.
He has also proposed to set up a centre for excellence to impart training on improved cropping systems, integrated farming systems for dry land agriculture, moisture conservation and monitoring through sensor-based water management systems.
To take agricultural experts to farmers’ fields, Mr. Siddaramaiah announced a Krishi Abhiyana scheme under which the entire staff of agriculture and allied departments as well as universities of agricultural sciences would visit the hoblis during kharif season to provide consultation to farmers.
Also to bring about synergy among agriculture and allied departments, it has been proposed to make the staff of departments of agriculture, horticulture, animal husbandry and sericulture work together at Raitha Samparka kendras.
He has also proposed to take up genome sequencing to improve the crop varieties in ragi, tur dal, jowar and Kabul gram.
To support the sericulture sector, the budget has proposed a scheme for setting up reeling parks in traditional silk industrial areas of Ramanagar, Shidlaghatta and Kollegal.
To bring in blue revolution in inland fisheries, short-term loans have been proposed to be given at zero per cent interest rates to inland fishermen through co-operative banks.
