Gadag: Former Chief Minister and MP Basavaraj Bommai highlighted the efforts of the late K.H. Patil in ensuring remunerative prices for the agricultural commodities. Speaking at the inauguration of the cashew processing unit in Hulakoti, organized by the District Panchayat, Horticulture Department, Hulakoti Gram Panchayat, K.H. Patil Agricultural Science Center, District Cashew Growers Association, and Hulakoti Farmer Producers Company on Sunday , he expressed gratitude to all who contributed to the establishment of the unit.

He emphasized that a self-sufficient nation in terms of food will become self-reliant and proud. The governments mustb work towards this goal, as a strong farmer leads to a strong nation.

Bommai wished for economic development through more farmer-friendly schemes, stressing the role of agriculture in national economic progress.

Bommai praised the farmers in the region for growing cashews in the dry lands of Bayaluseeme, demonstrating that cashew cultivation is feasible even in such areas. The success of cashew farming in about 1,600 acres has been a testament to this.

Minister for Law and District In-charge H.K. Patil, speaking on the occasion, noted that the cashew processing unit is part of the centenary celebrations of K.H. Patil, known for his cooperative initiatives. He acknowledged the superior quality of cashews from Gadag and identified the challenge of providing a market for them, hoping the processing unit would address this need.

Patil said the Shyama Prasad Mukherjee Urban Mission, a central government scheme, which has been effectively utilized for the construction of the processing unit, aiding the economic development of farmers in the surrounding areas.

Former MLA D.R. Patil, Deputy Commissioner Govind Reddy, ZP CEO Bharat S., Gram Panchayat President Nagratna, Vice President A.V. Tahsildar, and other officials were present at the event.