K'taka's new agri policy targets 4.5% growth

Karnataka has come out with a new agriculture policy targeting 4.5 per cent growth rate in crop/foodgrains output over the next few years.

At present, the agricultural growth rate stands at 2.5 per cent. Impetus will be given to food processing, organic farming, increasing soil fertility and modern farming to boost production.

Ten years ago, the state came out with the first agriculture policy, prepared by the erstwhile undivided Janata Dal government.

"However, the growth rate remained stagnant at 2.5 per cent due to various reasons. This time, we are determined to achieve 4.5 per cent growth rate as the policy has a practical approach. A cabinet sub-committee will monitor its implementation," Karnataka's agriculture minister Bandeppa Kashampure told reporters here on Tuesday.

The draft version of the revised agriculture policy will be placed before the state cabinet next week for approval.

"The policy has been prepared in consultation with farmers, eminent scientists like M S Swaminathan and Dwarakinath and experts in the field of soil conservation and water resources management," he added.

The government has set an ambitious target -- double agricultural output by the end of the 11th Five Year Plan. "Promotion of horticulture and agriculture extension activity will be accorded top priority. The agricultural marketing system will also be improved," Kashampure stated.

The revised policy has also proposed contract farming, enhancing financial inclusion of farmers for agrarian activity, and effective water management programmes among others.