Haveri, Apr 1, (DHNS): Chief Minister B S Yeddyurappa on Wednesday sprang a surprise by asking farmers to give up agriculture and take up jobs in industries. 

He was speaking after laying a foundation stone for constructing new houses in Mannur village at a function jointly organised by the State government and Jameshedpur Tata Compensation Committee.

“These days farmers holding just three to four acres of land cannot prosper. Instead if they give this land for setting up industries, at least they will be assured of a job and can lead a peaceful life,” he said.

However, there are forces trying to stop industries from setting up in the State. He also made it clear that only barren lands will be acquired for setting up industries.

The State government has come forward to set up iron ore plants in backward districts, including one in Haveri, in the State.

Tata Metallic Company is interested in setting up a Rs 14,000-crore iron ore plant in Haveri district. The government is  ready to provide land and other facilities, said Yeddyurappa. The proposed factory can generate 12,000 jobs. The company has agreed to give a majority of the jobs to the locals.