From Our Special Correspondent
Daijiworld Media Network

Belagavi, Jul 7: Rattled by the spate of suicides by farmers in the different parts of the State due to debt trap and other agriculture-related problems confronting them, the State Government has decided to constitute a high-level vision group headed by noted agricultural scientist Dr M S Swaminathan.

The Dr Swaminathan vision group to study measures to tackle the agrarian crisis in the State and suggest measures to improve the lot of farmers, will also comprise of representatives of farmers.

In a reply to agriculture and horticulture departments’ demands for grants in the Karnataka Legislative Assembly on Monday, the State’s Agriculture Minister Krishna Byre Gowda said Prof Swaminathan has accepted the State Government’s invitation to head the Vision Group which would study the agricultural sector in the State.

Gowda said the farm sector has been facing several challenges owing to erratic monsoon and intensity of drought.

The Vision Group would recommend on various issues for boosting the growth rate in the sector and make the farm profession economically viable.

The Vision Group would also study the functioning of agricultural universities in the State.

Owing to increased number of suicides by farmers in June 2015, the Government has decided to constitute an expert committee to study the issue, he said.

To provide farm skills to youth, course in agriculture has been introduced in 15 industrial training institutes.

Service of agriculture, horticulture and sericulture have been made available under one roof through the – Raitha Samparka Kendras – system, he said.

Underscoring the importance of Agriculture Price Commission, Gowda said APC has been asked to undertake studies on increasing crop yield and farm mechanisation. APC has been asked to study cost of cultivation with regard to 13 crops, he added.