Kundapura: Krishi Utsava and Flower Show -2014 inaugurated by Minister Sorake

Kundapura: The District administration and Zilla panchayat organized a two- day District level Krishi Utsava and Flower Show -2014 in association with the Agriculture and Horticulture department, various agricultural associations and SKDRDP at the Government first grade college ground Koteshwar here on Saturday January 25.

The programme began with Nada Geethe and Raitha Geethe, while Assistant commissioner Yogeshewar welcomed the gathering. Udupi district minister in-charge  Vinay Kumar Sorake inaugurated theDistrict level Krishi Utsava and Flower exhibition -2014 by lighting the lamp. In his inaugural message, Sorake said that agriculture is the backbone of Indian economy and farmers play a major role in developing the country. Lack of self confidence is the biggest challenge to the agriculture sector. With the use of available technology, one can achieve sustainability in agriculture.

"It is true that farmers are facing acute shortage of laborers. Instead of following old and traditional methods of farming, farmers should bring in changes in the system. Changes should be accepted in the farming sector. Hence use of machinery is inevitable. State government has already sanctioned Rs 12 crore for reviving the Brahmavar Cooperative Sugar Factory in the first phase. Rs 12 crore would be used to pay the dues of farmers, salaries of factory workers,
and loans of cooperative societies" he said.

Sorake further said, "The State government was giving priority to expediting the Varahi Irrigation Project in the district to give a fillip to agriculture. The State government had formed a Cabinet sub-committee to look into implementation of the recommendations by K Kasturi Rangan panel report on the Western Ghats in the State. The recommendations made in the panel report would be implemented without causing any trouble to the people in the district. The government has been offering assistance to the farmers. Paddy is purchased through support price of Rs 1600. There is no proposal before Union government to ban arecanut".
The two day Krishi Mela offered a unique opportunity to the farmers in and around the district by giving an insight into the latest agricultural technologies through demonstrations and discussions. The flower show enthralled the public with the Heart Symbol model made of roses. Carvings on vegetables of leaders and animals enthralled the public. Farmers in large number were seen collecting information on the new technologies. The stalls included all required ingredients for farming activities.

Udupi Chikmagalur MP K Jayaprakash Hegde, Udupi Zilla panchayat president Upendra Nayak also spoke on the occasion. Kundapur MLA Haladi Shrinivas Shetty presided over the function.
MLC Kota Shrinivas Poojary, Byndoor MLA Gopal Poojary, Udupi ZP vice president Mamatha R Shetty, Kundapur TP president Deepika S Shetty, Udupi TP president Gowri V Poojary,  and many others were present.

SOURCE: http://www.mangalorean.com/news.php?newstype=broadcast&broadcastid=454970