Mangalore: Speaking at a farmers’ meeting organised Thursday at DC office auditorium, Ravikiran Punacha a leader of farmers stated that that Govt should prepare a new scheme for arecanut farmers who are eager to cultivate food grains and such other crops on land. He drew the attention of district administration to the large number of problems faced by arecanut growers.
Having heard about problems, the DC instructed his officials to look into the background of every case before seizing any property for overdue payments. He urged the CAMPCO authorities to suggest a scientific rate for areca crop, after consulting farmers and horticulture dept. officials. Only there after a report would be sent to Bangalore, he said. He would also speak to lead bank, DCC bank and co-operative authorities prior to agricultural loan adjustment.
Assistant Secretary C Masaguppi replied to farmer’s queries on employment guarantee scheme and the release of dues where work had been completed.
The farmers demanded a ban on Endosulphan as pesticide and sought DC’s view on compensation against losses incurred. 220 persons suffering due to Endosulphan effects were paid Rs.50,000 as relif. Special pensions were declared to 135 other disabled persons. Buses were arranged and doctors were provided to the patients to move around. Several departmental officials participated.
Swarna Bhomi Scheme applications for small farmers ( 5 acres or less) were available online, said a the agricultural officer.