Karnataka government readies plan to revive agriculture sector

BENGALURU: The government has lined up a slew of measures to kickstart agricultural activity in the state, which came to a halt after the nationwide lockdown was imposed.
Agriculture minister BC Patil on Tuesday said the government will consider demands for a minimum support price (MSP) for vegetables and other horticulture crops.
Speaking to reporters in Chikkaballapura, Patil said farmers have been facing problems marketing vegetable crops."Huge quantities of vegetables are rotting as the marketing network has been crippled due to the lockdown. The government will support the demand," Patil said. The government also plans to ensure hassle-free movement of farmers, farm labourers, equipment, fertilizers and other essentials across the state by issuing special curfew passes.
Officials said arrangements will be made to procure rabi season crops while ensuring social distancing. "We are planning special schedules for various villages to avoid overcrowding of mandis and APMC yards," officials said.
Officials said efforts are being made to help farmers sell produce near their farmlands, besides ensuring farm produce is transported without hindrance within and outside the state. The Centre is also expected to reveal a slew of exemptions for agriculture and allied sectors to ensure farmers do not suffer from any adverse fallout.