BANGALORE: Chief Minister D V Sadananda Gowda asserted the state achieved agriculture growth at the rate of 5.9 per cent in 2009-10 and 13.3 per cent in 2010-11 owing to science-led mission projects including Bhoochetana and Suvarna Bhoomi Yojane.
Speaking at an interactive session with a team of scientists at his home office here on Saturday, Gowda mentioned about Sujala, a world bank aided project for increasing productivity in the watershed.
He added that a separate agri-budget has enabled the desired growth. “This miracle was possible due to close working of agribased scientific institutions like International Crop Research Institute for Semi Arid Tropics (ICRISAT), International Rice Research Institute and many such agencies working under CGIAR institutions,” he said said.
“I am glad to know the CGIAR institutions in India developed improved technology for agriculture production and through scaling up model, many farmers would benefit,” he said.
‘Drought Relief Work in Full Swing’
Gowda claimed drought relief work was on in full swing in all districts and that there were no reports on the shortage of drinking water. “I am monitoring the situation once every two days and I am in constant touch with the DCs and ZP CEOs. I also directed the finance department to release the money sought by the district administration for drought relief as well as for drinking water,” said Gowda, who also holds the finance portfolio.