
KGF to hold convention on June 9 to address farmers' issues
Chikkamagaluru: In order to find solutions for the long-pending issues of coffee growers and the farming community in the district, the Karnataka Growers Federation (KGF) organised a convention in Chikkamagaluru on June 9.
All taluk and hobli farmers' associations in the district, along with like-minded organisations, expressed their support for the gathering. The aim of this convention was to draw govt's attention to the long-standing issues faced by the farmers of the Malnad region.
Karnataka Growers Federation president Halase Shivanna urged farmers, entrepreneurs, and workers from coffee-growing areas to participate in large numbers.
He highlighted issues such as the unjust cancellation of lands approved under forms 50 and 53 of the Karnataka Land Revenue Act, the sudden acquisition of farmers' agricultural lands under Section 4(1) of the Forest Act, and the classification of long-cultivated lands as "deemed forest".
He also pointed to the increasing damage and disruption caused by wild animals like elephants and Indian bison to agricultural activities.
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He accused officials of delaying the processing of applications for leasing unauthorised plantations and claimed that govt is neglectful in distributing plots to the homeless in Malnad. "These issues will be discussed and brought to govt's attention," he said.
"The coffee industry is a key sector in the state's economy, providing employment to thousands within and outside the state and contributing hundreds of crores to the national treasury.
However, many govt regulations are proving detrimental to coffee growers. Particularly, issues related to the forest and revenue departments pose significant challenges. It is time to collectively address govt's indifferent attitude towards coffee growers," Shivanna said.
A procession will be held from the Chikmagalur taluk office premises to Azad Park on the morning of June 9, followed by the convention. MK Pranesh, deputy chairman of the legislative council; MP Kota Srinivas Poojari; MLAs HD Thammaiah, TD Rajegowda, Nayana Motamma, GH Srinivas, KS Anand, and MLC CT Ravi will be the key guests.
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