With a view to saving farmers from resorting to distress sale of paddy, owing to slump in prices, Karnataka Chief Minister B.S. Yeddyurappa on Wednesday said the government would release Rs. 80 crore from the revolving fund and purchase paddy in Bellary, Koppal, Raichur, Davangere, Shimoga and Yadgir districts.
Addressing presspersons, Mr. Yeddyurappa said that there was an urgent for market intervention. The State government has discussed the issue with Union Agriculture Minister Sharad Pawar and urged him to fix the minimum support price for paddy for 2010-11 at the earliest. As an immediate measure, the government would ask the Deputy Commissioners of these districts to purchase A grade paddy at Rs. 1,030, a quintal and common variety at Rs. 1,000 a quintal.
Expressing his happiness over the good monsoon ushering in sowing work in most districts, the Chief Minister said he had directed the Deputy Commissioners to supply fertilizers and seeds to farmers.
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“Ensure no shortage”
Mr. Yeddyurappa, who reviewed a meeting on agriculture, said he wanted the administration to ensure that there was no shortage of these inputs. He said that the foreshore areas of Bhadra, Kabini, Hidkal, Markandeya and Narayanpur reservoirs would be beautified as tourist spots on the lines of Alamatti dam with private participation. Parks and fountains would be developed at these places. This proposal would be placed before the global investors meet.