K'taka to issue health cards for ryots

H D Kote, Apr 28 (UNI) The Karnataka Government will introduce soil health card for farmers in the state soon, Agriculture Minsiter Bandeppa Kashempur informed today.

Addressing reporters here, he said the government had already allocated Rs 4.30 crore for the purpose and the system would come into force in a months' time. Of the 27,000 villages, 9,000 would be covered this year under the first phase. Farmers would benefit out of the card in various ways, he added.

Referring to providing marketing facilties to products of farmers, he said the government had already allocated Rs 20 crore for the prupose and to encourage youth to start food processing units in various parts of the state.

On crop insurance, Mr Kashempur clarified that farmers were not against it. They only wanted the insurance amount to be reduced.

Howver, this need to be discussed with the Centre and insurance companies concerned. The government would take steps to settle the soon.

Asked about the Seed Act, he said the Centre had sought the suggestions of states and Karnataka had already sent a preliminary report of the previous government in this regard. The matter would be further discussed and suggestions submitted to the government, he added.

Mr Kashempur said the government was planning to give a facelift to all agriculture farms in the state.

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