Date:07/01/2009 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2009/01/07/stories/2009010759100300.htm

Karnataka - Mangalore

Farmers’ problems dominate ZP meeting

Special Correspondent

Lacunae in fertilizer distribution system brought to fore

Concern expressed over a slump in agriculture production in Dakshina Kannada
System of seeking payment along with fertilizer indents should be dropped, says official

— Photo: R. Eswarraj

DISCUSSION: K.P. Sucharitha Shetty (right), president of Dakshina Kannada Zilla Panchayat, listening to a member at the general body meeting held in Mangalore on Tuesday.

MANGALORE: Members of the Dakshina Kannada Zilla Panchayat (ZP) voiced their concern about the problems of farmers in the district at a meeting here on Tuesday. They made a particular reference to the issue of supply of fertilizers.

The panchayat members demanded increased subsidy for arecanut growers, supply of lime and prompt and adequate supply of fertilizers.

K.P. Sucharita Shetty, president of the zilla panchayat, pointed out that the performance of agriculture in the district was on the decline for sometime now. Stating that the farmers were unable to secure government subsidies, he said the officials had a crucial role to in increasing the farm production.

P. Shivashankar, chief executive officer of the zilla panchayat, said that the Agriculture Department might not be having any strategy to reverse the trend. Many members, including Sundara Gowda Uchchila (representing Ujire), said that there were many problems in the system of distribution of fertilizers. The farmers could not get fertilizers although some of the cooperative societies and dealers had stocks. Alleging that the Karnataka State Cooperative Marketing Federation Ltd. was diverting the fertilizers to other districts, the members demanded that an inquiry be initiated into this. An officer of the Agriculture Department, however, said that the problems had arisen because of inefficient distribution of fertilizers by the federation. Unlike in the past, the cooperative societies in rural areas were being asked to send payments along with their indents. This change had affected the supply of fertilizers as some societies were not able to send payments along with indents. Mr. Shetty directed the official to ensure proper supply of fertilisers from the next season.

On the slump in agricultural production, the officer said there was a problem with regard to giving agricultural equipment. However, this had been sorted out and the department had achieved 84 per cent progress in the distribution of the equipment, he said. A member pointed out that a section of the farmers, who had been provided with cows under a government scheme, was complaining of low yield. Mr. Shetty said that the matter would be taken up with the Government. The members sought to know why farmers from the district were not part of the Government’s plan to take farmers to China. An officer said that they might be accommodated in future.