Date:28/12/2007 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2007/12/28/stories/2007122857060700.htm

Karnataka - Bangalore

Agri-centric plans were hit by political uncertainty

Nagesh Prabhu

Like in the neighbouring States, the farm sector is passing through a difficult phase in Karnataka too

Farmers resorted to suicide even after the loan waiver scheme was announced
The issue of transfer of power dominated the corridors of power

THE ONLY POSITIVE NOTE: The coverage of agricultural land during the kharif season exceeded the target.

BANGALORE: Many farm-related schemes, including farm loan waiver and new amended Agricultural Produce Marketing Committee Act, were introduced in 2007 in the State.

However, like in many other States, the farm sector is passing through a difficult phase here too.

The sector was adversely affected by sharp drop in prices of crops, a glut in sugarcane production, floods, and cases of farmers’ suicides.

Suicide cases of farmers continued even after the implementation of loan waiver scheme. The implementation of the schemes remained relatively weak on account of various factors, including shortage of staff in the Agriculture Department.

The former Chief Minister, H.D. Kumaraswamy, made an effort to show solidarity with the rural population through his village stay programme.

The former Chief Minister, B.S. Yeddyurappa, also announced loan waiver schemes for farmers, weavers and fishermen. However, the loan waiver scheme rendered many cooperative institutions financially unviable.

Though the “farmer-centric” Janata Dal(S)-BJP Government took initiatives to reduce the disparities between farm and non-farm sectors, the political uncertainty could not see many of these initiatives through.

Instead of focussing on development issues, the issue of transfer of power dominated the corridors of power. However, unlike in Maharashtra, the number of farmers suicide cases in the State declined in 2007, although the numbers were still significantly high in Bijapur and Bidar districts and more recently, Mysore district.

A weather-based insurance scheme in 13 drought-prone districts was introduced for the first time. As many as 128 taluks were declared drought-hit this year, and a majority of the taluks are in these districts.

The year witnessed opposition to the amended Agricultural Produce Marketing Committees Act by trade and farmers’ bodies.

The new Act aimed at accelerating reforms in the sector and allowing private participation in agri-marketing in a big way. APMC yards remained shut throughout the State for a day in protest against this.

The sector had come across problems on account of acquisition of farm lands for special economic zones and housing purposes, tardy implementation of the Prime Minister’s package in six districts, slow pace of National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme and chikungunya disease which reduced the farmers income and affected their health.

On the positive note, the State registered a good progress in the last kharif season with the production of 93 lakh tonnes of foodgrains against the target of 85 lakh tonnes, thanks to the good monsoon. An area of 74.41 lakh hectares was under kharif against the target of 73.95 lakh hectares accounting for 101 per cent coverage. Sowing of various rabi crops was completed and the crop was in good condition.

As the year draws to a close, the Union Government has announced schemes such as the Rastreeya Krishi Vikas Yojana and the National Food Security Mission to achieve a growth rate of 4 per cent during the 11th Five Year Plan. The State has started receiving funds under schemes.

Will the new schemes bring investment to rural parts and ensure reasonable prices for farmers for their produce in 2008 remains to be answered.