The State government has extended the last date for farmers to pay premium for weather-based crop insurance scheme to July 31.
Minister of State for Agriculture Krishna Byre Gowda announced this in the Legislative Council on Tuesday. The extension of the last date — from June 30 — was made based on a demand by farmers following inadequate rainfall in the State. A Government Order in this regard was issued on June 28, he said.
The weather-based scheme covers 19 crops, including jowar, ragi, bengal gram, potato, chilli, grapes, banana and cotton in Bangalore Rural, Bagalkot, Belgaum, Bellary, Bidar, Bijapur, Chikmagalur, Chitradurga, Chickballapur, Davangere, Dharwad, Gadag, Hassan, Haveri, Kolar, Koppal, Raichur, Ramanagaram, and Yadgir districts.
BannedEarlier, replying to BJP member Somanna M. Bevinmarad, the Minister said the sale of Bt cotton hybrid seeds by Mahyco had been banned in the State from March 22. Following this, the company had approached the court and the case had been disposed of now. “Action is being taken against the company per the court order,” he said.
Mr. Bevinmarad complained that despite the ban the company was selling the seeds and also taking signatures of farmers on prepared consent letters that endorsed the quality of the seeds. “Several farmers who have used the seeds have suffered losses. How can they endorse the quality of the seeds,” he asked.
The Minister said such an instance had been reported in Haveri and the Joint Director of Agriculture in Haveri had warned the company against taking signatures on consent letters. “The company has been asked to provide technical assistance to farmers and not force them to sign any letters. Now the company had stopped taking signatures,” the Minister said.
