Deputy Commissioner G. Lakshmikanth Reddy presiding over the farmers’ grievances meeting in Mysuru on Thursday.
| Photo Credit: M.A. Sriram

Deputy Commissioner G. Lakshmikanth Reddy on Thursday assured that the district administration would take necessary steps to address the concerns of farmers.

Presiding over the Mysuru district-level farmers’ grievances meeting held at the zilla panchayat auditorium, Mr. Reddy said the “Har Ghar Jal” initiative, launched by the Ministry of Jal Shakti in 2019 under the Jal Jeevan Mission, aims to provide daily tap water to every rural household by 2024.

However, in light of complaints regarding the improper execution of the scheme, the Deputy Commissioner instructed the zilla panchayat officials to ensure all works are carried out strictly as per the guidelines.

He also directed officials to maintain RO drinking water units properly.

On the financial challenges faced by farmers, Mr. Reddy said many pledge their gold to secure agricultural loans. In reply to the observation, the Lead Bank Manager clarified that all banks operate under the Reserve Bank of India guidelines, and steps will be taken to ensure farmers receive complete and accurate information on loan interest terms and conditions.

During the meeting, concerns related to sugarcane cultivation were also raised, with farmer representatives requesting meetings with sugar factory managements under the chairmanship of the district in-charge Minister.

In response, Mr. Reddy said the Chunchanakatte Shrirama Sugar Factory will begin operations this year following a new agreement and said that the Bannariyamman Sugar Factory is currently operational. A committee has been formed to look into any issues about its functioning.

Mr. Reddy also emphasised that it is the responsibility of the agriculture and horticulture departments to ensure the distribution of quality seeds. He urged farmers to immediately report any instances of the distribution of substandard seeds for swift inspection and corrective action by the authorities concerned.

During the meeting, farmer leaders called for the removal of lake encroachments, desilting of lakes to improve water storage capacity, expansion of the PM Fasal Bima Yojana to include horticultural crops, scientific soil fertility testing, and timely dissemination of crop-related information from the agriculture and horticulture departments.

Deputy Conservator of Forests K.N. Basavaraj informed that saplings are being planted along roadsides, and scientific methods will be adopted to ensure their proper growth and maintenance.

Superintendent of Police Vishnuvardhan, zilla panchayat deputy secretary Krishnamraju, Joint Director of Agriculture Ravi, and several farmer representatives were present.