The state government on Wednesday singed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with International Crops Institute for Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT) to work on improving productivity in rain-fed areas.
The MoU was inked in the presence of Chief Minister D V Sadananda Gowda and State Agriculture Minister Umesh Katti. As per the MoU, ICRISAT will bring together the expertise of seven consultative groups like International Water Management Institute, International livestock Research Institute and others to demonstrate various technologies, which can benefit the farmers.
“The agreement is valid for four years and the programme will be implemented on a pilot basis in Tumkur, Chikmagalur, Bijapur and Raichur,” said Development Commissioner Koushik Mukherjee. Based on the success, the programme will be extended to other areas, he added. Gowda said the state comprises 83 per cent of semi-arid zone, second to Rajasthan and the government with ICRISAT is working through Bhoochetana programme to increase the productivity in rain-fed areas. ICRISAT is one of the 15 consultative groups on International Agricultural Research (CGIAR) that has been supporting the agriculture department. “This initiative will herald changes in the livelihood of rural people,” Gowda said. ICRISAT Director General Dr William D Dar was also present.