Karnataka Budget: BSY's doles to harvest farmers' goodwill

Karnataka Chief Minister B S Yediyurappa sought to keep his constituency of farmers happy by announcing a slew of measures, what with agriculture being the only sector that saw growth in the pandemic-hit year.

“In spite of Covid-19 pandemic and occurrence of floods in North Karnataka during 2020-21, a remarkable growth of 6.4% is observed in the agricultural sector,” Yediyurappa said in his budget speech, noting that growth had declined in industrial and service sectors.

Also read: Karnataka Budget 2021-22: Big projects get a boost as irrigation receives Rs 21,181 crore

Yediyurappa announced the setting up of a goshala in every district in a bid to allay farmers’ fears over the new anti-cow slaughter law.

“... to prevent the slaughter of cows and to conserve livestock, one goshala would be established in each district,” Yediyurappa said.

The new Karnataka Prevention of Slaughter and Preservation of Cattle Act prohibits the slaughter of cattle, stoking fears that the burden of taking care of non-milch livestock would fall upon farmers.

To placate farmers further, Yediyurappa has promised a new scheme called ‘Samagra Gosankula Samruddhi,’ to develop native breeds from other states such as Gir, Sahiwal, Ongole, Tharparker and Deoni.

Notably, the CM has decided to continue the ‘Anugraha Koduge’ scheme to provide Rs 5,000 compensation for the accidental death of sheep and goats.

The government will double down on organic farming with an allocation of Rs 500 crore. According to Yediyurappa, this will provide “healthy and chemical-free agricultural and horticultural products to the people.”

In line with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s plan to double farmers’ income by 2023, Yediyurappa, in his speech, said, “The government is committed to provide required infrastructure facilities and support to agriculturists at all stages, like availability of quality sowing seeds, crop management, post-harvest management, collection, processing and sales.”

A new hybrid seed policy will be formulated “for providing high-quality hybrid seeds and seed technology easily to farmers and to increase their productivity, profitability and popularity,” Yediyurappa said.

The CM announced that Krishi Yantra Dhare Centres would be strengthened to assist the farmers to adopt modern farm practices at low costs.

Also, a ‘Samagra Krishi Paddathi’ programme will be implemented to enable small and marginal landholders to obtain sustainable income throughout the year.

Promises galore

* Hi-tech cocoon market costing Rs 75 crore at Ramanagara

* A ‘theme park’ on 100 acres land in Hesaraghatta on PPP model to provide information and training, with permanent exhibition and demonstration of native livestock and other breeds

* A new ayurvedic research institute costing Rs 2 crore in Veterinary College, Shivamogga

* Rs 75 crore grant over the next five years to increase organic carbon and improve production of pulses. Rs 10 crore to be given this year

* Horticultural technological park at Sirivara village of Koppal taluk to extend assistance to train horticulturists

* A new agricultural export zone will be established for aromatic and medicinal plants, fruits, vegetables and spices throughout the state

* Rs 150 crore for Reshme Bhavan at Okalipuram to house all sericulture-related offices

* Rs 1 crore to develop better Nandidurga goat breed

* Additional 15% subsidy costing Rs 50 crore for construction of cold storage plants and establishment of post-harvest management/processing plants