Separate budget mooted for agriculture: CM

The forthcoming budget session in Karnataka could see two budgets being presented if Chief Minister B S Yeddyurappa has his way. The CM said that a separate agriculture budget on the lines of the railway budget will be presented in the state in the third week of February and a separate Rs 250 crore allocation will be made in the budget in order to promote organic farming. Addressing farmers at Katenahalli village in Haveri district on Saturday evening he said allied branches of agriculture like horticulture, floriculture, sericulture will get due importance in the budget to be proposed in February. Organic farming centres will be opened in the existing agriculture universities and Krishi Vignyan Kendras of the state to help farmers, he informed.

The CM hinted that development of lakes and completion of irrigation projects will get maximum allocation in the budget and said this would help improve underground water table. “I am committed to providing loans for farmers with only one per cent interest rate through co-operative banks and soon a decision will be taken in the cabinet meeting.” he said. Talking to reporters after the function, the CM said that a ban on endosulphan will be announced soon. The people affected with the use of endosulphan in three districts will get Rs 1,000 as monthly pension from the government. A rehabilitation centre is also on the cards to help the affected persons.