Dharwad: State Agriculture minister Krishna Byre Gowda has assured that soon the government will initiate steps to solve issues related to crop insurance, once the technical committee, formed to look into the disparities in crop insurance submits its report next month.
Speaking at the inauguration of the annual Krishi Mela at the University of Agricultural Sciences-Dharwad (UAS-D) Mr. Gowda declared the Krishi Mela open in absence of Chief Minister, Byre Gowda said farmers growing chilli, paddy and cotton had not yet received crop insurance as insurance firms had raised objections regarding the survey of the damaged crop. The State government will seek the intervention of the Centre in case the insurance agencies continue to be reluctant to pay the amount.
The State government was committed to apply all efforts to see that chilli, paddy and cotton growers too receive insurance amount at the earliest, he said.
Promoting millets
The government had declared this year to be Millet Year to promote its cultivation. Owing to increased health awareness among people, the demand for millets was growing in the market. Therefore, farmers should cultivate millets and tap the market potentials, he said.
The State government will support farmers in this venture by supplying seeds. In case of price fall, the government will purchase jowar offering support price of Rs. 2,100.
Veterinary laboratory
Minister for Animal Husbandry and Sericulture A. Manju announced setting up a veterinary laboratory in Dharwad. Mr. Manju said his department had taken steps to open veterinary laboratories in all districts. So far, eight veterinary laboratories had been set up, he said.
District in-charge minister Vinay Kulkarni, MLA CS Shivalli among others were present.
