Expressing deep concern over the nationwide decline in soil fertility, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has issued a clear directive to farm universities: embark on extensive research to tackle this pressing environmental and agricultural challenge.
The Chief Minister conveyed this message to a large audience at the University of Agricultural Sciences in Dharwad. He was speaking after formally inaugurating the four-day Krishi Mela and presenting ‘best farmer’ awards to 16 outstanding progressive farmers.
“Our country’s population continues to grow, having surpassed China to become the world’s most populous nation. However, food production isn’t keeping pace with demand, largely due to diminishing soil fertility. It is imperative that Agriculture Department officials and farm scientists dedicate greater focus to resolving this critical issue,” he emphasized.
Chief Minister Siddaramaiah greets the crowd upon his arrival at the University of Agricultural Sciences in Dharwad for the formal inauguration of the four-day Krishi Mela.
Referring to the Krishi Mela as a ‘farmers’ festival,’ the Chief Minister asserted that farmers are not unknowledgeable but simply require opportunities to innovate and experiment with traditional methods. He highlighted the state government’s ongoing commitment to the agricultural sector through various forms of assistance, technology upgrades, and other farm-centric initiatives.
Folk artists await the Chief Minister’s arrival at the University of Agricultural Sciences in Dharwad during the Krishi Mela.
With over 60% of cultivation in the state reliant on rainfall, the Chief Minister urged farm scientists to intensify research into rain-fed agriculture and develop high-yielding crop varieties suitable for such conditions.
He proudly noted that Karnataka ranks second in India for milk production, yielding an impressive one crore liters daily, expressing optimism that the state would soon achieve the top position.
The Chief Minister also stressed the importance for farmers to adopt multi-crop cultivation strategies, moving beyond the traditional single-crop approach.
Siddaramaiah pointed out that modern lifestyles are adversely affecting public health, suggesting that millets offer a vital solution. He affirmed the state government’s commitment to promoting millet cultivation and encouraged farmers to grow these nutritious grains in larger quantities.
He championed a “lab to land” philosophy, emphasizing that after research moves from “land to lab,” it must then return “lab to land” to foster continuous interaction between farmers and scientists, thereby encouraging more farmers to embrace progressive practices.
Compensation Efforts
Regarding recent crop losses, the Chief Minister confirmed that a joint survey to assess damage has been ordered and officials have been directed to complete it swiftly to ensure prompt compensation for affected farmers.
He specifically lauded District in-charge Minister Santosh Lad and Deputy Commissioner Divya Prabhu G.R.J. for the successful completion of the joint survey in Dharwad district, reassuring that crop loss compensation would be disbursed without delay.
Beginning his address, the Chief Minister identified himself as a farmer, recalling his early political career as the general secretary of the Mysuru District Raita Sangha.
Attendees included Legislative Council Chairman Basavaraj Horatti, Ministers N. Cheluvarayaswamy and Santosh Lad, along with many other elected representatives.
University Vice-Chancellor P.L. Patil provided an overview of the institution’s recent achievements and progress.