Monoculture reduces soil fertility; farmers urged to adopt alternative crops: DC
Mandya Deputy Commissioner Kumar on Wednesday emphasised the importance of diversifying crop cultivation to maintain soil fertility and improve farmers' incomes.
Speaking at the Silk Farmers' Technical Convention organised by the Department of Sericulture at the Mandya Zilla Panchayat, he encouraged farmers to consider sericulture (silk farming) alongside traditional crops like paddy and sugarcane.
Highlighting the commercial viability of silk farming, Dr. Kumar said: 'Sericulture is a profitable venture. By integrating it with conventional crops, farmers can enhance their income.'
He noted that monoculture practices, such as the continuous cultivation of a single crop, gradually reduce soil fertility, underscoring the need to promote and adopt alternative crops.
'Farmers are not poor, and they do not need sympathy. They need empowerment through technical knowledge and self-confidence,' the Deputy Commissioner added.
Drawing a parallel between farmers and soldiers, he said, 'Just as soldiers guard the nation's borders, farmers serve the country by providing food. Farmers are equal to soldiers and rich in generosity.'
Sericulture Development Commissioner and Director Rajesh Gowda remarked that Mandya is among the districts with the highest number of farmers in Karnataka. He pointed out that if properly supported, silk farming can become a highly lucrative venture for the region's farming community.
Progressive silk farmer Nagaraju C.L. from Kolar delivered a technical session on best practices in sericulture, including silkworm rearing, space optimisation, cocoon management, and pest and disease control techniques.
Deputy Director of Sericulture B. Puttaswamy, Additional Director Y.T. Timmayya, Deputy Director Somanna D., N.B. Jyothi from the Silkworm Division, Mahiba Helen from CSR&TI Mysuru, and Assistant Director of Sericulture Ravi Kumar and others were present.
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