K'taka announces annual Agriculture awards

Bangalore, Jan 1(UNI) Karnataka government today announced the annual agriculture awards for 2006-07 for persons for their contribution to the growth of agriculture in the state.

Principal Secretary Ramaswamy told reporters here today that the awards consisting of 26 Krishi Pandit awards for adapting innovative methods in water harvesting, organic farming, technology and crop patterns during the year in their occupation will be given away on January three.

In Krishi Pandit category, the second award was given to Mr Eshwarappa Hanjihal from Naganahalli from Gadag district for his innovative methods in water harvesting, he said adding the first award was not given as there was no one was eligible for it.

In organic farming, the first Krishi Pandit award was given to C Vivek Kariayappa while the second was given to Mr Basavaraj Jivanagi, he said.

The awards were also given to 12 farmers, who had increased their production level in selected crops like maize, tur dal and sugarcane, he said.

Karnataka Governor Rameshwar Thakur will give away the awards with cash worth of Rs 11.12 lakh on January 3, he said.

UNI SIV RKN1531