Govt focused on improving farmers' lives, says Karnataka minister Laxmi Hebbalkar

Udupi: Women and child development minister Laxmi Hebbalkar emphasised that under chief minister Siddaramaiah's leadership, the state administration is implementing initiatives focused on supporting and improving the lives of farmers. During the inauguration of a Raitha Samparka Kendra (RSK) at Koteshwara near here on Sunday, the minister highlighted that farmers in the state received consistent support, regardless of the governing administration.

"RSKs serve as vital information hubs, disseminating knowledge about cutting-edge agricultural technologies to farmers. Through these centres, farmers can enhance their earnings by adopting modern techniques. These facilities are tasked with providing details about governmental initiatives, superior quality seeds, and appropriate fertilisers for cultivation. While the agriculture department offers various subsidised equipment, farmers can only benefit from these schemes when officials ensure adequate awareness and publicity," Hebbalkar said.

She insisted that the district administration and the agriculture department work as a bridge between farmers and govt. They have the responsibility to ensure that the benefits of all schemes reach the doorsteps of the farmers. The purpose of RSKs will be served only if officials work in this direction, she added.

"India is primarily an agricultural nation, and former Prime Minister Lal Bahadur Shastri gave us the slogan of ‘Jai Jawan, Jai Kisan'. All of us know very well that we will have to remain hungry if our farmers stay away from the farms. If our nation is developing as a ‘Vishwa Guru', it is an outcome of the hard work and dedication of the farmers that paved the way for this achievement. India, which was importing food grains, has become an exporter as we are growing crops excessively," she said.

"Through divine intervention and the collective goodwill of well-wishers, I survived a severe accident that could have been fatal. I stand before you today, grateful for this second chance at life," the minister said.

Kundapur MLA Kiran Kumar Kodgi said there is a need for govt to announce a support price for paddy. He said the area of paddy cultivation is dwindling. He mentioned previous experiences of farmers who faced inconvenience due to a shortage of seeds. Officials ensured a sufficient stock of seeds, he said, adding that the information needs to be shared among farmers.