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Time of India
04-07-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Min warns officials against neglecting farmer welfare projects
Mysuru: Agriculture minister N Cheluvarayaswamy on Friday warned that strict action would be initiated against officials and staff who show negligence in the implementation of projects aimed at farmers' welfare. Speaking to reporters after a review meeting of the officials from the department in the Mysuru division at Naganahalli Agricultural Training Center, located on the outskirts of Mysuru, he emphasised the importance of ensuring the supply of required seeds and fertilisers to the farmers. Currently, there is no shortage of fertilisers in any part of the state. However, according to a decision by the Union govt, the supply of urea will be reduced by 50% in the coming days, he said. Officials from Mysuru, Mandya, Chamarajanagar, Kodagu, Hassan, Chikkamagaluru, Dakshina Kannada, and Udupi districts attended the meeting. Agricultural commissioner YS Patil, director GT Putra, watershed development department director Mohammad Parvez Banthanall, managing director of the State Seed Corporation Anup, and managing director of the Seed Certification Institute Sadananda were present at the meeting. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has called for a reduction in the use of urea to maintain soil fertility. Over the past two years, awareness has been raised in the state about the impacts of chemicals and pesticides, along with the benefits of organic farming and integrated agriculture, he said. The minister also informed that awareness should be raised among farmers to reduce the use of chemicals and pesticides, considering soil fertility, environmental protection, and human health. Priority is being given to agricultural mechanisation and value addition to agricultural products in the state. Equipment and micro-irrigation tools are being distributed with subsidies on an unprecedented scale, he said. The Krishi Bhagya scheme is being extended to all sectors, with a target of constructing 24,000 farm ponds being met, he added. In 2023-24, drought conditions were prevalent. Responding to farmers' difficulties, compensation of Rs 3,454 crore was provided. In 2024-25, food production exceeded the target with 153 lakh tons produced. This year, the target is 148.48 lakh metric tons of food grains and 12.20 lakh tons of oilseeds, the agriculture minister stated. He mentioned that he is touring the state to review the implementation of agricultural projects and the agricultural situation, providing advice and guidance through meetings with officials in all divisions.
The Hindu
04-07-2025
- Politics
- The Hindu
Farmers should shift to green manure as Centre to slash urea supply by 50%: Cheluvarayaswamy
Minister for Agriculture N. Cheluvarayaswamy, who reviewed the agricultural activity in the Mysuru Division on Friday, said that farmers will be weaned away from using urea and chemical fertilizers in a phased manner. Speaking to reporters at Naganahalli, the Minister said Prime Minister Narendra Modi has announced that the Centre will slash urea supply by 50% in the days ahead, and hence, the farmers should brace for the change. Mr. Cheluvarayaswamy said this was inevitable to reduce the use of chemicals in fertilizers, and farmers will be encouraged to shift to green fertilizers. In reply to a question, Mr. Cheluvarayaswamy said that he recently visited a farm. and the farmer has stopped using chemicals for the last 10 years. But there has been no decline in crop output, he added. The Minister said that for decades, the farmers were advised to use chemicals and urea-based fertilizers, and they were quite used to the practice. So it may be difficult for them to make the shift suddenly. Farmers will be reoriented to eschew the use of chemical fertilizers, he added. Since scientific studies were proving the deleterious impact of the use of chemical fertilizers, it was essential to rollback their use and shift to green alternatives, Mr. Cheluvarayaswamy said, adding that the government was creating awareness drive among the farmers in this regard. 'The Centre's decision in slashing the urea supply by 50% is a welcome move, and it is essential to preserve soil fertility,' said the Minister. In the review meeting, the Minister cautioned officials against negligence and dereliction of duty during field visits or apathy in the implementation of government schemes. The officials were instructed to guide farmers on alternative crops based on prevailing climatic conditions, to prioritise mechanisation, to implement Krishi Bhagya scheme, and to organic farming etc. The Minister emphasised that research findings should benefit the farmers, and they should be impressed upon the benefits of value addition in agricultural produce.
Time of India
03-07-2025
- General
- Time of India
Statewide sowing campaign launched at Chinchalli village
Mysuru: Agriculture minister N Cheluvarayaswamy launched the statewide sowing campaign on Thursday at Chinchalli village in Hanur taluk in Chamarajanagar district. The event organised by the district administration, zilla panchayat, and agriculture department aims to promote timely sowing and advanced farming practices. The campaign began with the symbolic sowing of ragi on the farmland of progressive farmer Dayanand. Minister for animal husbandry, sericulture, and Chamarajanagar district in-charge Minister K Venkatesh joined the ceremony, which also included a demonstration of drone-assisted pesticide spraying—a step toward precision farming. As part of the initiative, various agricultural implements were distributed to local farmers. Beneficiaries received equipment such as power tillers, rotavators, chaff cutters, power weeders, and oil extractors through the agriculture department. Speaking at the event, Cheluvarayaswamy emphasised the benefits of integrated farming, which he said can significantly boost farmers' income. "With just one acre, a farmer can earn up to Rs 10 lakh annually by combining vegetable cultivation, farm ponds, fishery, and livestock rearing," he said, citing real-life success stories. He urged farmers to gradually reduce dependence on chemical fertilisers due to their long-term health impacts and advocated for organic and natural farming practices. "The govt is committed to promoting sustainable agriculture through increased subsidies for micro-irrigation systems and organic inputs," he added. The minister also highlighted the importance of crop insurance, encouraging farmers to enrol under the scheme to protect themselves from crop losses due to climate variability and other risks. "Paying a small premium today can safeguard your future in times of adversity," he remarked. The Krishi Bhagya scheme, previously limited to select regions, has now been extended to all 224 taluks across the state. Cheluvarayaswamy encouraged farmers to leverage govt subsidies, adopt modern technologies, and follow the guidance of the agriculture department and universities. Venkatesh reiterated that while agriculture is a demanding profession, it can be highly rewarding with consistent effort. He encouraged farmers to take advantage of govt initiatives and modernise their farming methods to reduce labour costs and increase productivity. He also mentioned that the state cabinet recently convened in the district, where several key development schemes were approved, and will be implemented shortly. Hanur MLA MR Manjunath noted that the majority of Hanur's population relies on agriculture. He commended the growth in dairy farming and horticulture in the region, especially the cultivation of bananas, turmeric, and onions. He stressed the importance of ensuring adequate electricity and irrigation support to empower the farming community.
