Work on Mahadayi basin projects delayed due to inaction of Centre, says Karnataka CM

He said that migration of farmers to urban areas has negatively impacted agriculture. Agriculture development, therefore, is linked to urban and rural development.

“Work on Mahadayi basin projects has been delayed due to the inaction of the Centre. The delay has not been caused by us. The government of Karnataka is ready to take up work in the Mahadayi basin. If the Union government were to issue all the necessary clearances today, we will start work tomorrow,” Chief Minister Siddaramaiah said at an event to distribute agricultural implements worth ₹400 crore to farmers from Belagavi revenue division, on April 20.

“A major problem in farming is the reduced rainfall and dry land farming. We have to find a longstanding solution to this problem. It includes providing water through major and medium, minor and micro irrigation schemes. The government of Karnataka is spending over ₹23,000 crores on irrigation projects. However, the Union Government is not cooperating with us. We have not received a single rupee for the Bhadra Upper irrigation Project till date. It is also refusing to provide approvals to the Mahadayi and Mekedatu projects. If the Centre were to approve these projects, we will start work on them immediately,” he said.

He said that migration of farmers to urban areas has negatively impacted agriculture. Agriculture development, therefore, is linked to urban and rural development.

“We need to focus equally on all areas,” he said. “An action plan is being put in place to ensure of integrated development of agriculture and welfare of farmers. I believe that while soldiers protect us by guarding the borders and fighting battles, farmers ensure food security, and teachers groom the next generation. We are implementing several schemes for their welfare.”

Agricultural machinery is being distributed at a subsidy of ₹40 lakh to farmers, and ₹50 lakh to farmers from the Scheduled Caste category. “These will help farmers who are facing labour shortage,” the CM said.

“We have implemented the Krishi Bhagya scheme for dry land farmers. Last year, we funded the construction of more than 25,000 farm ponds. This year, the number will be increased further. Experts who studied the impact of farm ponds have given a report that they have benefitted farmers.

“Now, we are self-sufficient in food production. The surplus food production helped us distributed 10 kg of foodgrains under the Anna Bhagya scheme,” he said.