Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has strongly reiterated his administration's dedication to empowering the agricultural sector and improving the lives of farmers. He made these commitments while inaugurating the Krishi Mela in Mandya on Friday, outlining a vision centered on modernization and direct research benefits for cultivators.
New Agricultural University for Mandya and Beyond
The Chief Minister made a significant announcement regarding the establishment of a new agricultural university at the VC Farm in Mandya. He stated that the proposal is fully justified and that Mandya deserved this institution, despite some reservations from within his cabinet.
This university will serve as a crucial hub for five districts: Mandya, Mysuru, Chamarajanagar, Kodagu, and Hassan. Its primary mission will be to bridge the gap between scientific research and practical application, ensuring a smooth transition from "lab to land." Siddaramaiah credited Mandya District Minister N Cheluvarayaswamy for originally proposing the university's location at VC Farm.
Addressing Core Challenges: Profitability and Innovation
Siddaramaiah acknowledged a critical trend where India's youth are moving away from farming. Drawing from his personal background in agriculture before his B.Sc studies, he identified profitability as the biggest challenge facing farmers today.
To combat this, he emphasized three key solutions:
- Value addition to farm produce.
- Adoption of modern machinery.
- Implementation of integrated farming systems.
The state government has promised all necessary support and incentives to promote these changes. Highlighting global innovations, Siddaramaiah noted that while farmers abroad grow three crops on one plant, Indian researchers at VC Farm have successfully cultivated two—like tomatoes and brinjal on the same plant.
Criticism of Centre and State's Pro-Farmer Steps
The Chief Minister did not hold back in his criticism of the Union government, accusing it of neglecting to revise agricultural prices adequately. He specifically pointed out that the Centre had not fixed the Fair and Remunerative Price (FRP) for sugarcane and failed to increase prices for jowar and sugarcane.
In contrast, he asserted his government's pro-farmer stance, detailing state-level interventions:
- Fixing a higher price of Rs 100 per ton for sugarcane over the central price.
- Increasing the support price for maize.
- Investing crores of rupees to revive the Mandya Sugar Factory, with a promise to build a new boiling house.
Addressing productivity, Siddaramaiah pointed out that while Maharashtra's sugarcane yield is 13-14 units, Mandya's is only 9.5 units. He directed the forthcoming Mandya agricultural university to study this issue, identify reasons for the lower yield, and develop better crop varieties.
Looking ahead, the CM announced the launch of an international "sandwich postgraduate programme" next year. Reflecting on his deep roots in the sector, he mentioned his role as the first general secretary of the Mysuru District Farmers' Association. He concluded by stating that Mandya's historical importance to agriculture is precisely why the new university is being established there—to ensure the district leads Karnataka's farming future.
