K'taka to amend Agriculture Act to increase yield

Bangalore, June 22 (UNI) The Karnataka Government proposed to amend the State Agriculture Act to facilitate increase in yield and provide better marketing facilities for the produces, Chief Minister H D Kumaraswamy informed today.

Speaking after distributing Agriculture Awards for the years 2002-03, 2003-04, 2004-05 here, he said that though modern technology had brought in many changes in the agriculture sector, it had led to a fall in yield. It might be due to overuse of manure and inability of farmers to adopt new technologies.

Mr Kumaraswamy, who was basically a farmer himself, said ''I have doubt in my mind whether the five-year plans have spoilt the agriculture sector, which is considered the backbone of our country.

In the name of industrial development many fertile lands are destroyed and the economic condition of farmers is deteriorating day by day,'' he lamented.

He said his government was keen on enhancing the fertility of land, extending timely loans to farmers, ensuring supply of good seeds and providing better marketing facilities for their produce.

The Chief Minister also said the Cabinet would take a decision on celebrating 'Farmers Day,' on the lines of Labour's Day, from next year and announce a suitable day later.

He said distribution of agriculture awards had been resumed after a gap of three years in a bid to encourage farmers.

Deputy Chief Minister B S Yediyurappa, who also holds the Finance portfolio, announced that from next year, the four per cent interest rate on farm loans would be extended to loans given by cooperative societies.

He said Mr Kumaraswamy and he would meet Union Finance Minister P Chidabaram and urge him to reduce the interest rate on farm loans extended by the nationalised banks to four per cent.

Talking about the awards, he said till date 6,301 had been awarded 'Krishi Prashasthi' which was instituted in the year 1992-93 to encourage farmers to increase production.

In all, for the last three years, 1,159 farmers were presented with 'Krishi Prashasthi' award by the Chief Minister at a simple function held at the Banquet Hall in the Vidhana Soudha, State Secretariat.

The award comprised a cash prize, a citation and a shawl.

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