The Dakshina Kannada Zilla Panchayat has suggested the Karnataka Government to emulate Kerala in promoting paddy cultivation in the district.

This was resolved at the KDP (Karnataka Development Programme) Review Committee meeting here on Tuesday.

Speaking on the occasion, Mr Padmayya Naik, Joint Director of Agriculture, Mangalore, said that the extent of paddy cultivation is coming down in the coastal districts of Karnataka. Most of the paddy fields are either being converted for horticulture or for some non-agricultural activities.

Mr Sampath Samrajya, President of the District Krishik Samaj, said that the Kerala Government gives monetary benefits to farmers who switch over to paddy cultivation from other commercial crops. Such facilities should be extended in Dakshina Kannada district also, he said.

Task force

The meeting was told that Kerala Government has constituted a paddy task force. The members of this task force take up cultivation activities at the fields of farmers for a fee. This helps farmers who find it difficult to get farm labours.

The meeting was informed that the task force model can be adopted in Dakshina Kannada district also.

Mr P. Shivashankar, Chief Executive Officer of Dakshina Kannada Zilla Panchayat, said that this idea would be forwarded to the Government for consideration.

The meeting also discussed the lack of interest among the youth about taking agriculture as their profession. Mr Samrajya suggested that school children be taken on study trips to the fields of progressive farmers. This may help create curiosity among them about agriculture.

The meeting decided to ask the Department of Public Instructions to issue necessary directions to schools in the district in this regard.

Ms K.T. Shailaja Bhat, President of Dakshina Kannada Zilla Panchayat, chaired the meeting.

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