Mounesh Vishwakarma

Daijiworld Media Network – Bantwal

Bantwal, Jul 20: MLA Rajesh Naik inaugurated the mechanised paddy transplantation for the fifth year at the Polali Sri Rajarajeshwari Temple's Cheddinagadde fields, covering approximately 2.50 acres.

Speaking on the occasion, MLA Naik highlighted that last year’s agricultural efforts resulted in savings of Rs 95,000 for the temple, with the straw benefiting many local farmers. He noted that paddy farming yields a profit of Rs 80,000 per hectare, underscoring the profitability and encouraging more farmers to engage in paddy cultivation.

Joint agriculture director Kempegowda emphasised that for the past three years, under MLA Naik’s initiative, mechanised transplantation has been conducted with support from various organisations. They provide seeds to reclaim fallow fields for paddy cultivation through schools and colleges.

He mentioned the demand for red rice in the region and that the agriculture department supplies seeds like Jay, Kempumukthi, and Jyoti for sowing.

Bantwal has 1,510 acres dedicated to paddy farming, with a total of 9,300 acres in Dakshina Kannada, all supported by the agriculture department.

During the event, soil health cards were distributed to Poovappa Poojari, Sudhakar Sapalya, and Naliniakshi.

Deputy director Kumud, assistant agriculture director Veena, agriculture officer Nandan Shenai, and technical officer Hanumant Kalgi were present.

Other notable attendees included BJP mandal general secretary Sudarshan Baj, Amthadi Maha Shaktikendra president Venkatesh Navad Polali, leaders Yashwant Polali, Sukesh Chouta, Chandrashekar Shetty, Mahila Morcha secretary Chandravathi Polali, Kisan Morcha member Yashodhar Kalkutta, Yuva Morcha vice-president Karthik Ballal, Lokesh Bharani, Naveen Kattapuni, Sesappa Devadiga, Narayan Kattapuni, and others.