Date:28/04/2006 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2006/04/28/stories/2006042816790300.htm

Karnataka - Mysore

Cotton farmers protest against `delay' in supply of seeds

Special Correspondent

`Rasta roko' throws traffic out of gear

MYSORE: Tension prevailed in H.D. Kote on Thursday when farmers took to the streets in protest against the "delay" in supply of DCH-32 variety of cotton seeds.

Cotton cultivators marched through the thoroughfares, forcibly closed shops, offices and commercial and business establishments in the town and staged a "rasta roko." Employees of the taluk office were forced to stop their work.

The farmers raised slogans against the Government for the "delay" in ensuring adequate quantity of seeds. As against the 205 tonnes of DCH 32 seeds required, less than 150 tonnes was supplied, they alleged. The farmers insisted that the seeds be made available at the hobli level.

Officials of the Department of Agriculture said that 35 quintals of DCH-32 seeds would be procured on Friday and an additional 75 quintals acquired in due course.

As a result of "rasta roko," traffic on the Mysore-Mandavadi Road and surrounding areas was thrown out of gear. Police stepped up security to prevent any untoward incident.