Farmers’ problems engulf Karnataka CM’s

BENGALURU: Declaring that the agriculture sector will always remain his political and administrative priority, chief minister Siddaramaiah said he is unable to enjoy the celebrations of India's Independence when the farmers in his state are committing suicide. His tone was not in sync with the fervour the Manekshaw Parade Ground echoed in celebration of the 69th Independence Day, with tens of Tricolours fluttering in the hands of little children from various schools and the unmatched enthusiastic audiences' cheer. Delivering his message, Siddaramaiah said: "I am not in a state of mind to enjoy the celebrations...Despite the best and honest efforts of our government, farmers continue to commit suicide... I am deeply pained." Pointing out to the burden of debt that is haunting the farmers in the state and to the various institutionalized options and schemes available to help them, Siddaramaiah conceded: "Even with these facilities, the quantum of co-operative loans disbursed to farmers is low. This has forced some of them to seek loans from private money lenders." The government, he said, "...is seriously thinking of pumping more funds to the co-operative institutions to boost the agricultural sector." The State will seek Centre's assistance in this regard. The life of farmers who feed us, he said was invaluable and pointed out that due to recent vagaries of weather, the same has become hard and the income from agriculture is grossly inadequate. "I have personal experience about the ordeals of farmers and I've prioritised this sector. The allocation for the sector in my last three budgets is Rs 6,291.72 crore, twice the amount earmarked for this sector by the previous government in its three years," he said, adding that the government is also mooting introduction of reforms and alleviation of problems faced by the farming community. "Our purpose is not to find temporary solutions, but to make honest attempts to seek permanent solutions to farmers' issues.," he said, pointing to various initiatives, including incentives given to sugarcane farmers. Speaking at length about the various irrigation schemes and the e-market facility which has seen 21 lakh agricultural produce worth over Rs 8,500 crore transacted through 37,000 trade licenses in the last one year, he said that the Centre having taken notice of this and emulating the same in 25 other states was a matter of pride. From the one million toilets dream to rural development and law and order, Siddaramaiah used the occasion to reiterate his government's 'achievements'. Stating that his vision/dream when he became the chief minister was to make available all resources and opportunities to even the last citizen of Karnataka, chief minister Siddaramaiah said: "...Our commitment to the freedom of our nation should not be restricted to dates and speeches...It must be part of our lives and we must all collectively strive towards sharing the fruits of India's development with the whole nation." -TOI