Mangalore : Agriculture Minister Krishna Byre Gowda said that, Agricultural department is not a sales agency but it is an extension of the government hence it must provide modern technology, developed breeds and mechanization to farmers.

He was speaking after chairing a review meeting at Dakshina Kannada Zilla Panchayat on September 16,Tuesday.

Minister also said that, district has six to seven additional staff so that they can work in Raitha Samparka Kendra (RSK) and officials can spend more time in the field. At present there are 40 farmer facilitators and if needed the government is ready to provide additional training to them. Furthermore staffs will be appointed.

Agriculture Department District Commissioner Subhodh Yadhav instructed the senior officials of the department to give importance to field work.

Gowda said that the government has directed various university research centres of the state to conduct specific research for new paddy breeds for Malnad and coastal districts. The department will respond if officials design special programmes with the co-ordination of Self Help Groups (SHG).

DK Zilla Panchayat President Asha Timmappa Gowda, said that being a farmer herself he knows that it is difficult to store water in the sand mixed soil. There are many small land holders for whom transforming to mechanization is not so easy.

State Health and Family Welfare Minister U T Khader, DC A B Ibrahim, MLA Mohiuddin Bava, ZP CEO Tulasi Maddineni, Watershed Department Commissioner Shivananda Murthy, Agriculture and Industry Standing Committee President Balakrishna Suvarna, Agriculture Department Joint Director Kempegowda were present.