Hassan Deputy Commissioner Advocates for Comprehensive Support to Potato Farmers
Deputy Commissioner KS Latha Kumari has issued a strong call to action for traders in Hassan district, urging them to provide multifaceted support to local farmers. Speaking at a programme organised by the horticulture department at Gandhi Bhavan, she highlighted the critical need for administrative, emotional, and technical assistance to improve farmers' livelihoods. The DC stressed that this support should include the provision of high-quality seeds, which are essential for sustainable agricultural practices.
Decline in Potato Farming and Seed Quality Concerns
During her address, DC Latha Kumari noted that Hassan district was once renowned for its potato production, but there has been a recent decline in the number of potato farmers. She attributed this trend partly to issues with seed quality and emphasized that farmers rely heavily on crops for their economic survival. To address this, she mandated that all traders and agencies selling potatoes for monsoon planting must register and sell only certified seeds. Additionally, traders are required to inform farmers about the source, quality, and inspection status of potatoes purchased from Punjab, ensuring transparency in the supply chain.
Market Reforms and Infrastructure Proposals
In response to requests from traders for a separate market centre for potatoes, the DC assured that a structured arrangement would be implemented. She also outlined several key proposals to enhance the potato farming ecosystem. These include submitting a proposal to the government to establish a cold storage facility in each hobli, which would help in preserving potato seeds and reducing post-harvest losses. Furthermore, the horticulture department should issue notifications detailing available seed varieties, registered traders, and pest control measures, along with information on dealers providing plant protection chemicals.
Farmer Representation and Government Initiatives
To ensure farmer involvement in decision-making processes, DC Latha Kumari directed the horticulture department to form farmer delegations. These teams would oversee the selection, purchase, transportation, storage, and sale of seeds, guaranteeing that farmers have a voice in critical agricultural operations. She also called for proposals to distribute plant protection chemicals free of cost to farmers at the time of seed purchase and to fix a support price for potatoes to stabilize incomes. Additionally, measures should be taken to insure crops at the seed purchase stage and to enhance potato seed production at the Somnahalli horticulture centre, with farmers being informed about research activities to maximize benefits.
Officials and Traders in Attendance
The programme saw the participation of key officials, including Joint Director of Horticulture Yogesh, Joint Agriculture Director Ramesh Kumar, and Nataraj from the Somnahalli horticulture department, along with numerous potato traders. Their presence underscored the collaborative effort needed to revitalize potato farming in Hassan district and implement the DC's directives for a more robust agricultural framework.
