04-07-2025
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.
