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

Karnataka on Thursday announced a new agro policy targeting a growth rate of 4.5 per cent in agricultural gross state domestic product (GSDP) during the next decade. At present, the state's agricultural GSDP growth rate stands at 2.5 per cent.

The policy focusses on creating opportunities for farmers to enhance their income and also aid investment in rural farm and non-farm enterprises.

"Impetus will also be given to food processing industries, organic farming, increasing soil fertility and modern farming techniques to boost agricultural production. A cabinet sub-committee will oversee the implementation of the policy," Chief Minister H D Kumaraswamy said after releasing the policy document.

Ten years ago, the state came out with its first agriculture policy, prepared by the erstwhile undivided Janata Dal government. "The policy had to be revised as the agricultural scenario is witnessing dramatic changes due to globalisation. Farming has become a non-profitable venture. Failure of rains and other reasons are forcing migration to urban centres resulting in spawning of slums. This policy aims to arrest this trend and aid agriculture," he added.

Kumaraswamy said that several programmes will be implemented under the policy for farmers. Under 'Bhoomi Tayi Arogya', measures to improve soil fertility will be formalised (35,000 hectares each year). A 'Rainfed Agricultural Commission', headed by a technical person, will be constituted to design strategies for the development of rainfed agriculture.

Constitution of farmers' consortia (10-50 members) to jointly undertake farming will be encouraged. Development of bio-fuels will be given a major thrust. Rural godowns will be established to assist farmers to stock produce and avoid distress sale, the chief minister said.

The Yeshasvini Cooperative Health Scheme will be extended to all farmers and agriculture labourers. The minimum support price will be extended to all crops (for marginal and poor farmers).

Karnataka's Agriculture Minister Bandeppa Kashmpure said that the government intends to double agriculture output by the end of the 11th Five Year Plan. "The promotion of horticulture and agriculture extension activity has been accorded top priority. Agricultural marketing system will also be improved," he added.

The state will establish the 'Karnataka Trade Authority' on the lines of the Indian Trade Authority to safeguard the state's agricultural trade interests.

The policy also proposes contract farming, enhancing financial inclusion of farmers for agrarian activity, effective water management programmes among other features.