Shobha Karandlaje becomes a farmer in Udupi

MANGALURU: Shobha Karandlaje, Union minister of state for agriculture and farmers’ welfare, joined farmers to cultivate paddy on fallow land in Kadekar village in Udupi district on Thursday. Kedarotthana Trust, headed by Udupi MLA K Raghupathi Bhat, has set a target to convert 1,500 acres of fallow land in Udupi district into paddy fields. A total of 140 acres of fallow land will be cultivated in Kadekar village for paddy cultivation. As part of the trust’s initiative, the minister recommended that the MLA get more farmers involved by forming a farmers’ cooperative.

“Farmers are reluctant to invest in agriculture, thinking that it is unviable, so the central government has launched several schemes for the welfare of small and medium farmers. Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana has been launched to give emphasis to traditional organic farming. Demand for organic farm produce is increasing in the international market. The crop insurance scheme launched by the PM allows farmers to report crop loss using mobile apps, and avail benefits without visiting government officers. Farmers may upload the pictures of crop loss directly to the app, to avail compensation. The government aims at multiplying the income of Indian farmers,” Karandlaje said.

“I have suggested MLA Bhat to involve more farmers in the activities of Kedarotthana Trust, and also form farmers producers’ organisation. Such initiatives will help farmers avail benefits of all agriculture schemes of the government,” the minister added. “Schools and colleges should introduce farming to students and engage them in agriculture activities. In addition, she said she would ensure that both the national and state governments support farming activities.