Daijiworld Media Network – Mandya (DC)

Mandya, Aug 11: Chief minister H D Kumaraswamy donned the attire of a farmer on Saturday and planted paddy saplings along with farmers here.

Kumaraswamy who visited Arulakoppe-Sitapura village in Mandya on August 11 joined more than 150 agriculture labourers and planted saplings.

Speaking to reporters, Kumaraswamy said, "I will be visiting the farmers of my state every month and it is an attempt to extend support to them. It is an attempt to boost confidence among the farmers."

Though Kumaraswamy hails from a family of agriculturists, it was a new experience for him as he entered the field after almost 25 years.

Kumaraswamy was wearing a traditional dhoti when he ventured into the paddy field.

Later, Kumaraswamy lashed out at BJP state president B S Yeddyurappa for criticizing his move. "This is not a publicity gimmick and if Yeddyurappa considers as one, then I will not comment. I am born in a farmer's family and there is no need to give a political colour to it,"

He reiterated that his coalition government will definitely fulfill promises made to the farmer community. "We have already waived off farmer loans amounting to Rs 9,000 crore in co-operative banks and have released the money. Soon we will be taking a decision on waiving off farmer loans in nationalized banks too,"

"I urge the farmers not to take extreme steps. The coalition government will introduce several pro-farmer schemes in the coming days," he added.