This year’s drought is reminiscent of the drought and famine of 1972, P.M. Salimath, Vice-Chancellor, University of Agricultural Sciences, Raichur, said on Saturday.
“Water levels are at their lowest levels, crops are damaged, people are suffering from water scarcity and animals have scarce fodder. Times are hard indeed,” he said.
He was speaking at a pre-Rabi consultation meeting of experts and farmers, organised by Reliance Foundation, a NGO working for the welfare of farmers in Borgi-J village in Aurad taluk.
He said that UAS-R was working for the welfare of farmers by looking for practical, low cost techniques of farming that would bring better prices. “We are also looking at how farmers can use less water and grow more crops, he said. He asked farmers to diversify into horticulture and other crops and animal husbandry,” he said.
Bhagwant Khuba, MP, urged farmers not to commit suicide as several organs of the State and society were there for them to fall back upon.
“It is not just farmers who have problems. Salaried employees, businessmen, professionals and even leaders have problems. We should realise that our suffering is far less than the millions who are starving across the world,” he said.
Ravi Deshmukh, farm scientist from Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Zia Ulla Khan, joint director of agriculture and others were present.
