Karnataka: BC Patil calls on farmers to use technology to increase income

DHARWAD: Farmers must turn entrepreneurs so they can achieve the intended aim of the central government to double their income, said Karnataka agriculture minister BC Patil, after formally inaugurating the Krishi Mela-2022 at the University of Agricultural Sciences (UAS), Dharwad on Sunday. “Agripreneurship will help double your income,” the minister told the farmers at the mela.
Pointing to the impact that the use of advanced technology had had on the agriculture sector, Patil said, “Farmers must adapt to the changes, and use technology to their benefit. Value addition is the ‘mantra’ the farmers must follow to increase their income. The government is providing necessary facilities to help farmers add value to their produce.”
Lauding those farmers who had, by adopting eco-friendly and organic methods of cultivation, increased their revenue, the minister called on others to emulate their more successful peers. Turning his attention to the plight of farmers who had lost their crops to heavy rain, and flood in Karnataka, Patil said, “The government will release Rs 400 crore to compensate the farmers.”
The minister also pointed out that Karnataka fared better than any other state in the country in the implementation of the Pradhan Mantri Laghu Udyog Yojana, given that 11 lakh farmers had turned entrepreneurs under the initiative.
Diesel at subsidised price
As part of the state government’s efforts to ease the financial burden on the farmers, it had been decided to offer diesel at a subsidised price to the agrarian community, along the lines of the benefit extended to the fishing community, the agriculture minister said. “The farmers can buy up to 10 litres of diesel for Rs 25/litre for every acre they own, under the Raitha Shakti Yojana,” said Patil, who presented the ‘Best Farmer’, and ‘Best Farm Woman’ awards.
UAS, Dharwad vice-chancellor, R Basavarajappa, and MLA Amrut Desai too shared their thoughts on agriculture at the event.
The buzz of insects
In a first at the Krishi Mela, an event called ‘Fascinating World of Insects’ was held on the UAS campus. The event proved immensely popular with the visitors, who gathered in huge numbers. The exhibition, organised by the department of agricultural entomology of the College of Agriculture in Dharwad, offers information on the anatomy of insects, the reasons that drove the evolution of their legs and antennae, et al. Visitors can also learn much about various butterflies, such as the southern wing bird butterfly, et al. The section dealing with insects such as honeybees, silk worms, lac insects, among others, is one of the highlights of the exhibition. People can also educate themselves about the various diseases transmitted by insects at the exhibition.