Chief minister of Karnataka, Siddaramaiah launches soil health project In Belagavi. He inaugurated the “Soil Health and Integrated Water Management in Sugarcane Growing Areas” project on Saturday.
Its an ambitious Soil Health and Integrated Water Management Project for sugarcane-growing regions, stressing that land is the cradle of life and must not be rendered barren in the pursuit of higher yields.
Speaking at the launch of the project in sugarcane growing areas in Belagavi, Bagalkot, Vijayapura, Kalaburagi, and Mandya districts, Siddaramaiah said state govt is pro-farmer and is committed to making agriculture profitable and making farmers financially self-reliant. He emphasised the need to take steps to achieve better yields and more income by adopting technology in agriculture, with a focus on soil health and integrated water management in sugarcane growing areas.
Siddaramaiah said there is a misconception that using fertilisers will increase yields, which needs to be addressed. He added “Farmers need to reduce the use of fertilisers.” He urged all the farmers to use modern technology to increase productivity and and income.
Sugar Minister Shivanand Patil said sugarcane was cultivated by more than five crore farmers across the country and over 400 sugar mills were operational nationwide. He said ensuring fair prices for growers remained a key focus and added that increasing sugar exports from major producing states such as Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra and Karnataka could lead to higher income for farmers.