KIDIGE AGRICULTURE LAND LOSING IN SIZE AND ACTIVITY;

Madikeri March 1, 2009

Hundreds of acres earmarked for agriculture activity by the central government today are losing charm. While encroachers have swallowed major portion of land around this campus, lethargy by officials and politicians have led to either shift the various units to outside or activities are taken up with a limited speed.

Once a hub of activity, Kudige agriculture land houses a dairy farm,. Agriculture training unit, soil testing unit, milk dairy, manure manufacturing unit, farm land etc. suffer due to lack of staff and interest both from the government and officials. Residents of Kudige allege that crores of rupees being spent by the government is going under the drain with no development.

Paddy is grown in about twenty acres of land here. The purpose is to provide it to farmers for growing in the form of seed. This is hardly done. Tons of this paddy seed began to sprout in the store room last year as officials did not bother to distribute them.

The main office of the once famous Kudige dairy (KMF) was also shifted to Hassan and efforts are made to shift few other units also. Intervention by the public and peoples representatives blocked the effort.

Presently buildings meant for cattle farm, manure manufacturing, staff quarters are in ruins waiting to collapse any time. The orchard which used to be a spot for tourists and researchers has vanished encouraging encroachers to gobble land.

Serious determination and government intervention is required to bring back the lost glory of Kudige Agriculture land.

Picture 1; Kudige agriculature campus gate

Picture 2; Dilapidated buildings inside the campus

DC GIVES ULTIMATUM TO AUTORIKSHAWS

Deputy Commissioner Baladevakrishna has cautioned the auto rikshaws to remove LPG connections by this 20th and avoid legal action.

DCs direction comes as many autorikshaws in the town are running in the toewn by using gas.

Addressing a meeting of the Auto association, DC said that the permit was issued to them to run the rikshwas on petrol and they have to abide by the rules.

The drivers are asked to wear uniform compulsorily and they are also asked to have yellow flags while carrying school children.

Superintendent of police, Suresh said that many drivers are found without licence and the department can help them in getting licence to avoid accidents.