Centre asks K'taka to submit proposals on food parks

Bangalore, Dec 5 (UNI) The Centre has asked the Karnataka Government to submit its proposal for setting up two mega food parks in the State, Agriculture Minister Bandeppa Kashempur said today.

Speaking to newspersons here, he said the Centre had responded to the State's request of setting up four mega food parks in the State.

The State would soon send proposals in detail. The State Government was also interested in setting up more food parks, in addition to the six already cleared, he added.

Mr Kashempur said the Centre had also approved a package scheme of Rs 2,689 crore for farmers of Belgavi, Shivamoga, Chitradurga, Chikmaglur, Kodagu and Hassan districts, who were in distress.

Accordingly, the scheme would be implemented in three years and various facilities such as assured irrigation (Rs 1660 crore) and Horticulture development (Rs 101 crore) would be provided. The farmers in these districts were also eligible for interest waiver.

To a question, he said foodgrains production in the State was likely to reduce by 30 per cent due to widespread drought.

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