K'taka govt releases subsidy for arecanut growers

Bangalore, Sept 4 (UNI) Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister B S Yediyurappa today announced a subsidy of Rs ten crore for arecanut growers who have been facing a distress situation following heavy rains causing fungus disease.

Speaking to reporters, after a meeting the arecanut growers from seven districts here today, he said that the state government would extend the subsidy of Rs ten for one kg of arecanut lost upto ten quintals to the growers.

"The coalition government is committed to help them and will release more funds if needed to minimise the losses suffered areca growers," he said.

Mr Yediyurappa said that an expert committee would be set up to study fungus disease which had affected the crops this season following heavy rains.

Arecanut growers had expressed their fear of more problems for their crops as they expect more rains in the coming days, he said adding that the government would hold another round of meeting in the next two months.

UNI