Thomas (Special correspondent)
The state government will look into the implementation of activities related to increasing farmers’ income, by launching a pilot scheme in four districts.
The government set up the secondary agriculture directorate in a bid to double the farmers’ income recently.
In a meeting chaired by Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai on Saturday, officials discussed the framework of operation for the secondary directorate.
The CM asked them to conduct a survey of farmers’ families across the state.
He also asked officials to make use of Family ID and look into ways of increasing their income by taking into account land ownership and other related details
*Though to be associated with the Agriculture department, the proposed Secondary Agriculture Directorate should function independently.
*Secondary Agriculture Directorate should cover integrated agriculture and new activities including fisheries, animal husbandry and veterinary sciences.
*It should lay stress on efficient use of land for other supplementary activities.
*The Directorate should identify activities and draw investment into them.
*The activities should not be labour intensive.
*Farmers’ Produce Organisations should be associated with secondary agriculture activities.
*System for periodic reporting on progress of the projects should be created.
*Firstly farmers should be prepared mentally.
*Plans should be drawn to increase the income of the farmers by using the data on farmers’ land holding, human resources and other information.
*Emphasis should be laid on increasing the income from inland fisheries.
*It has been decided to implement the programme on an experimental basis in 4 districts.
*The CM instructed the Agriculture, Horticulture, Rural Development and other departments to conduct a joint survey of farmers’ families.
*He wanted the District Committees to seek the help of experts from Agriculture universities.
*The CM directed the officials to create a digital platform in CAPEC to foster exports and expand the market for agriculture products he added.
