The BJP Government presented its separate agriculture budget for 2013-14 with an outlay of Rs 22,310 crore giving emphasise on mechanisation and use of technology.

Chief Minister Jagadish Shettar while presenting the agriculture budget for 2013-14 said “Our Government is committed for comprehensive development of agriculture sector by providing sufficient water and fertilizers to the farmer’s lands and to ensure remunerative prices for agricultural produce by providing proper marketing facilities.”

“Our State faced unprecedented natural calamities in the last two years. While there were floods on one side, we experienced severe drought on the other side. The State experienced 25 per cent deficit in the normal rainfall during the period from January 1, 2012 to December 31, 2012. On account of this deficit rainfall and moisture stress, there was crop loss in 38.9 lakh acres estimated at Rs 5,273 crore,” he added.

The first agriculture budget presented during 2011-12 had an outlay of Rs 17857 crore. This size was increased to Rs 19660 crore during 2012-13.

In this election year, in order to woo the farming community, the budget has given thrust on the following:

* Farmers Income Commission to be set up as per the recommendations of Dr. Swaminathan.

* A pass book containing comprehensive information (land holding, category, address, facilities availed etc) of farmers will be provided

* Farmers to be provided with an opportunity to either purchase agricultural implements of their choice (Tractor, Trailer, Paddy harvesters, sugarcane harvester etc.) or avail them from hire service centers and to decide on the rates thereof.

* Scheme for zero interest short term crop loan from cooperative institutions to continue.

* Existing milk subsidy scheme of Rs.2 per litre to be continued

* Increase in the quantity of tax free diesel for mechanized fishing to 1,30,000 kilo litres

* Reimbursement of electricity consumption charges of pumpsets belonging to the already existing and working Farmers Lift irrigation Co-operative Societies up to 50 H.P. will be reimbursed.

* Continuation of the scheme of free supply of electricity to the irrigation pumpsets upto 10 HP.

* Karnataka Solar Energy Scheme to be formulated to make up for the shortage of electricity by adopting modern technology and installing solar power based pump sets.

* Establishment of Horticultural Engineering and Food Technology College under University of Horticultural Sciences, Bagalkote.

* New Rehabilitation and Resettlement policy to be framed to safeguard the interests of people affected by submergence

* Yettinahole Yojane for drinking water to be started within the next few months at a total cost of Rs.2,670 crores.

* One of the largest drip irrigation projects in the world Ramathal (Marola) Lift Irrigation Project would be implemented by the Krishna Bhagya Jala Nigama (KBJNL) at a cost of Rs.786 crore in Hungunda Taluk.

anil.u@thehindu.co.in

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