Mandya: In a major push for agricultural advancement, agriculture minister N
Cheluvarayaswamy announced that an Agricultural University has been established in Mandya
district to support the overall development of farmers.Cheluvarayaswamy, who is also in charge
of the district, called upon the farming community to fully utilise the institution’s resources and
opportunities. The minister was speaking after inaugurating a machinery distribution
programmed under the Hi-tech Harvest Hub and secondary agriculture schemes, organized by
the department of agriculture at the university premises.Highlighting the govt’s commitment to
modernising agriculture, Cheluvarayaswamy said farm machinery worth over Rs 2,000 crore was
distributed to farmers across the state over the past three years. As part of the initiative, more
than 400 Hi-tech Harvest Hub machines have already been provided. He noted that substantial
subsidies are being extended for setting up Hi-tech Harvest Hubs — Rs 50 lakh for Scheduled
Tribes and Rs 40 lakh for the general category — adding the scheme is fully funded by the state
govt and is among the first of its kind in the country.Emphasising the importance of
mechanisation, the minister said these advanced machines are highly effective in harvesting
multiple crops, especially at a time when agricultural labor is becoming increasingly scarce.
The initiative is expected to reduce costs and improve efficiency for farmers. Reflecting on other
achievements, he stated that crop insurance coverage has significantly expanded under the
current govt — from around 12 lakh farmers earlier to over 28 lakh now — with nearly Rs 6,000
crore being disbursed in claims.Srirangapatna MLA and CESC chairman Ramesh
Bandisiddegowda said that several farmer-centric schemes introduced by the minister have
strengthened the rural economy. He added the establishment of an Agricultural University in
Mandya, a predominantly agrarian district, marks a significant milestone in regional
development. DC Kumara, ZP CEO KR Nandini, agriculture department joint director Ashok
were present. During the event, 13 Hi-tech Harvest Hub machines were distributed to
beneficiaries by the minister.
(SOURCE : THE TIMES OF INDIAN)
