Progressive farmer P. Ramachandra Bhat on Wednesday urged farmers in the district to take up mechanisation and follow integrated farming system.
He was speaking at an interaction programme with farmers as part of the inauguration of ‘Baduku Besaya–Raitha Santwana Yatre’ organised by the Departments of Agriculture, Horticulture, Cooperation and Information and Malpe-Kodavoor Rotary Club at Havanje village in Udupi district.
Mr. Bhat said that there had been a massive change in the agricultural sector in the district in the last 30 years. Farmers should realise that they could not depend on government relief alone.
Farmers could not do agriculture merely on the calculations of profit and loss. “Agriculture should be our life, and working for it should be our mission,” he said.
Farmers should also take up complementary occupations including dairy farming. “If farmers mechanise their farm operations and follow integrated farm techniques, they will be able to face challenges,” he said.
If farmers get a stable market and good price for their produce, they could lead a comfortable life. It would also then be possible to attract youth to agriculture, Mr. Bhat said.
K.V. Dhananjaya, agricultural expert from Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Brahmavar, cleared doubts of farmers regarding soil testing, water testing, use of fertilizers, and other agricultural issues.
Sanjeev Nayak, officer from Horticultural Department, said that farmers should give importance to proper utilisation of space in their fields. Production of quality crops would only add to the income of farmers, he said.
Manu, counsellor, interacted with the farmers and tried to instil confidence in them. Vasanti Shedti, president of Havanje Gram Panchayat; Anthony Maria Immanuel, Joint Director of Agriculture; and Praveen Nayak, Deputy Registrar of Cooperatives, were present.
