BENGALURU: The state government has estimated that crop losses in 110 drought-hit taluks is Rs 12,145.79 crore. Based on a formula, the state will seek Rs 3,373.85 crore as relief from the Centre. The districts of Bidar, Yadgir and Kalaburagi also faced losses due to excessive rain and floods. The amount of crop loss determined is Rs 2,485 crore. The Department of Agriculture and Revenue will submit a memorandum to the Union government in this regard to seek a compensation amount of Rs 386.44 crore. The Centre will also be requested to provide assistance for the establishment of cow shelters, fodder banks and providing drinking water.
Market intervention for onions
The government is mulling over a market intervention plan for onions as the rate of the vegetable has dropped dramatically. A good yield has resulted in drastic fall in the price of onions. Also, around 3.5 lakh acres where onions were cultivated is said to have suffered a loss. The state government and the Centre usually have an equal share in the support price and the state government is now asking for a support price of Rs 11 per kg.
Free treatment at new hospital in Udupi
The Cabinet has approved the decision to give 3.88 acres in Udupi on lease to Dubai-based industrialist B R Shetty for the construction of a hospital for women and children, and a centre of excellence. The 30-year lease will see the razing down of an existing government hospital on the premises and the constriction of a new 200 bed hospital for women and children and another 400 bed hospital in the centre of excellence.
BRS Health Research Limited has stated that the treatment at the women and children hospital will be free.
Rain damages 17 pc of red gram crops
Kalaburagi: About 17 per cent of the red gram (tur dal) cultivated in the district has been damaged due to excess rainfall this year, according to a joint survey conducted by different departments. As per the report, of the 5,89,064 hectares cultivated in the district in 2016, crops in 89,616 hectares (15.21 percent) have been damaged due to heavy rain. Red gram was cultivated in 3,97,025 hectares and crops in 67,650 hectares (17.34 per cent) have been damaged. Sources said despite floods this year, there is an expectation of good yield of red gram.
Grower stages protest with bags of onion
Dharwad: Onion farmers in the district are not even getting transportation costs for their produce. On Wednesday, when Mallikarjungouda, a farmer from Shirur of Navalgund taluk, took his produce to the Navalgund market, he was shocked to know that onion was purchased for Rs 150 per quintal. He directly went to Dharwad and staged a protest in front of the DC’s office with bags of onions. This is not an isolated case. A fortnight ago Agriculture Minister Krishna Byre Gowda he had assured of coming to the rescue of onion growers. But no action has been taken till now.