A central team headed by Gorakh Singh, Horticulture Commissioner of the Ministry of Agriculture of the Government of India, visited drought-hit areas of Arsikere on Saturday. The team visited a few coconut farms that have gone dry because of scanty rainfall in the past few years.
The team visited Belagumba, Lakshmadevarahalli, Sulekere, Kodihalli, Geejihalli, Jajur, Bendekere and neighbouring villages. In all places farmers and elected representatives apprised the team of the losses growers have suffered, and submitted memorandums.
K.M. Shivalinge Gowda, Arsikere MLA, told the central team that coconut farmers are facing problems because of drought.
Mr. Gorakh Singh said that coconut growers who have suffered losses should be encouraged to take up cultivation of other crops, but for that they would need permanent irrigation facility.
Mr. Gorakh Singh was accompanied by Jose C. Samuel, chief consultant of the National Horticulture Mission, and D.L. Maheshwar, Director of Horticulture.
