RS.70 CRORE WORTH AGRICULTURE PRODUCTS PERISH IN STATE;

Madikeri January 18, 2007

As much as rupees seventy crore worth agriculture products perish annually in Karnataka, disclosed MLC Arun Machaiah.

Addressing Horticulture related seminar at Madikeri yesterday, Arun Machaiah stated that improper market system is causing a set back to agriculturists. He said that though India has highest agricultural land in the world where even climate is suitable for second crop, it is staggering in the field due to lack of marketing infrastructure. He regretted that lack of support from the government has contributed to the down fall in production.The state has seen only two percent progress as against the expected ten due to negligence, he regretted.

Inaugurating the seminar, MLA K.G.Bopaiah stated that the officials are not chalking out programmes helpful to farmers. Lambasting the idea of introducing IT park in the district, MLA suggested, build a cold storage instead.

He suggested that the department should support agriculture products like cucumber, pinaple, capsicum and other products which fetch immediate market. He also adviced the elected representatives to serve the agricultuirists sincerely with proper information about government schemes.

ZP president Ashok presided over. Vice president Neelamma, Horticulture Assistant Director Medappa, Anand and others were present.

Sc St CENSUS IN STATE;

Sadashiva commission will conduct house to house census of Sc, Sts living in the state, said justice Sadashiv.

In a contact programme organized here yesterday, Sadashiva stated that there are about 101 Sc St Castes recognized in the state and there are sub sects in them. He suggested to the officials to mention the name of the castes in the caste coloumn, instead of the present practice of mentioning them as Aadi Karnataka or Aadi Dravida.

Sadashiva received memorandums from representatives. Dalith leaders complained that the resident daliths are denied of government benefits as large number of settlers from outside are residing her. They demanded land, higher education and other facilities.

CEO Sundar naik and other officials were present.