Cong wants Horticulture Varsity

Bangalore, Jul 29: Leader of the Opposition in the Karnataka Legislative Council, Mr Veeranna Mathikati, today asked the state Government to establish a Horticulture University in Bagalkote as proposed earlier.

Initiating a debate on Budget proposals, he said horticulture produce, especially from northern parts of the state, was gaining popularity in the world.

It was time the government helped farmers to improve the quality of the produce and take up more research work to increase the yield.

Stressing horticulture required to be developed further, he said there was a need for a separate university.

There were 15 horticulture organisations functioning in the city and the proposed University of Agriculture should be set up in Raichur.

Earlier, in a written reply to 'Mukhiyamantri' Chandru of BJP, Minister for Horticulture S K Bellubi said there was opposition to setting up of a separate university for horticulture.

It was argued that horticulture could not be separated from agriculture as they were complementary.

However, the minister promised a Directorate of Horticulture Research in agriculture universities and establishment of crop-based research centres.

He said it was now proposed to establish Agriculture University at Bagalkote with focus on horticulture, especially in research, extension and education for which details were being worked out.

UNI