In a significant move to bolster agricultural support, Karnataka’s Agriculture Minister, N. Cheluvarayaswamy, announced that the state government is set to fast-track the procurement of ragi (millets) this year. Farmer registrations for procurement will commence by the end of September, with the actual procurement process scheduled for October and November.
Speaking at the inauguration of the four-day Krishi Mela at the University of Agricultural Sciences in Dharwad, an event also attended by Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on September 15, Mr. Cheluvarayaswamy highlighted that this decision was made after discussions with the Chief Minister. The aim is to proactively address the challenges and delays farmers encountered during the 2024 ragi procurement cycle.
Further good news for farmers includes the decision to procure other millets at the same price as ragi, a measure expected to benefit agricultural communities throughout Karnataka.
New App for Farmers
The Minister reiterated the State Government’s strong commitment to agriculture, emphasizing the substantial grants allocated to the farm sector. He noted that progressive farmers in the region are continuously demonstrating the industry’s profitability and sustainability.
Labour Minister and district-in-charge minister Santosh Lad elaborated on the state’s broader development efforts. He pointed out that beyond the ₹55,000 crore allocated for guarantee schemes, a remarkable ₹83,000 crore is being channeled into various development programs, with a significant ₹65,000 crore specifically dedicated to education.
Mr. Lad proudly asserted that Karnataka, under Chief Minister Siddaramaiah’s leadership, stands as the only state in India to commit ₹1.20 lakh crore annually towards social security schemes—a level of commitment he contrasted with BJP-ruled states.
Karnataka Legislative Council Chairman Basavaraj Horatti, while acknowledging a decline in farmer suicide cases, stressed the ongoing need for efforts to achieve a complete elimination of such tragedies. He emphasized that more active involvement from farm universities would greatly facilitate finding effective solutions to farmers’ persistent problems.
Adding a technological edge to agricultural practices, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah officially launched ‘Krishidhaare,’ a new mobile application. This innovative app is designed to equip farmers with timely and crucial weather-related information. Additionally, the agriculture minister unveiled various new publications from the university during the Krishi Mela.