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The Hindu
10-07-2025
- General
- The Hindu
Govt. urged to extend institutional support for farmer-bred paddy varieties through Raitha Samparka Kendras
The government has been urged to promote traditional paddy varieties bred by local farmers, through the Raitha Samparka Kendra (RSK) and provide them institutional support. Experts say traditional paddy varieties – some of which are bred by the farmers — deserve greater official backing through the RSKs which is not the case at present, though many of them are popular. 'There are farmers and individuals, many of them in Mysuru, H.D. Kote, and Periyapatna regions, who have been conserving traditional paddy varieties, and breeding new varieties since more than 20 years,' he said and pointed out that a majority of them are doing it out of passion, spending from their own pockets. ''The government must now step in to support and help scale up their work,' said Mr. Krishnaprasad, founder of Sahaja Samrudha which is advocating indigenous paddy conservation and promotion. In the Mysuru region itself there are scores of seed conservators and rice breeders Ghani Khan, Bore Gowda, Srinivas, etc., and — individual farmers whose paddy collections are highly sought after across States. Yet, these community-level efforts have received little institutional backing so far, said Mr. Krishnaprasad. Hence the government has been urged to release and promote farmer-bred indigenous varieties through RSKs - the agriculture extension centres — so that it ensure greater reach. On the State government's move to develop community seed banks for which ₹5 crore has been allotted, Mr. Krishnaprasad said it is imperative that seed conservators are roped in for the purpose. The success of the initiative would depend on involving those who have been quietly nurturing seed diversity for decades, he added. 'If the government is serious about promoting organic farming, it must also promote organic seeds. Traditional and desi varieties should be made accessible to farmers through official channels,' Mr. Krishnaprasad added. Experts say that community-managed seed systems are playing a critical role in maintaining agricultural biodiversity and offering climate-resilient options to farmers. But unless financially supported and institutionally recognised, these systems may not sustain themselves in the long-run. The issue was also discussed in multiple farmers related events including the 'Desi Seed Mela' held in Mysuru recently. There is a growing demand for inclusion of local groups, women's collectives, and farmer conservators who are already active, as partners in the initiative. Stakeholders have also outlined a multi-pronged approach to strengthen traditional seed systems and it includes strengthening community-managed seed systems to ensure access to diverse crop varieties; popularising traditional varieties among consumers and farmers through seed and food festivals, awareness campaigns, and educational materials; mapping and documenting indigenous varieties, including their nutritional profiling, through collaboration with research bodies and agricultural universities. But it has also been argued by the stakeholders that a formal recognition of traditional and indigenous paddy varieties, evolving protocols for notification and mainstreaming these in formal seed systems, are essential.
Hans India
12-06-2025
- General
- Hans India
Soybean crop failure leaves Haveri farmers devastated
Haveri: Over 200 soybean farmers across several villages in Haveri district are staring at an agrarian crisis after seeds supplied by the Agriculture Department reportedly failed to germinate even 10 days after sowing. The affected farmers allege that poor-quality seeds distributed by the department's Raitha Samparka Kendra (RSK) are to blame for the disaster. In areas such as Karjagi, Konanathambagi and Devagiri, farmers sowed soybean seeds after the recent spell of good rainfall, investing heavily in land preparation, labor, fertilizer, and seed procurement. However, their hopes were dashed as the seeds failed to sprout, leaving vast tracts of farmland barren. 'Normally, soybean seeds germinate within 7 days. But even after 10 days, nothing has emerged. In some fields, just a few seeds have sprouted, while most have rotted underground,' lamented local farmers, expressing deep frustration. Mallikarjun Ballari, General Secretary of the District Farmers' Association, voiced strong criticism of the Agriculture Department: 'The government cannot get away by offering compensation only for the poor-quality seeds. They must reimburse the full cost — including labor and fertilizers. Simply replacing seeds is not enough,' he told ETV Bharat. Ballari also pointed out that despite adequate rainfall for sowing, the failure of germination has rendered farmers helpless. 'Our fields were in good condition. We did everything right. But the seeds failed us,' he a flood of complaints, agriculture officials have visited several affected fields to conduct inspections. They collected seed samples and have sent them to the Karnataka State Seeds Corporation and affiliated agricultural universities for analysis. Initial reports suggest that a particular batch — KDS 726 hybrid seed lot — distributed under the government scheme is under suspicion for germination failure. 'We've sent samples to the supplying company and the agricultural university for analysis. Only after receiving their report can we make a concrete decision,' an official said, adding that seed suppliers have been asked to consider compensation. With the monsoon setting in, farmers fear they may miss the critical sowing window. 'We don't have time for long investigations. We are not against verification, but we need immediate compensation or seed support to restart sowing this season,' farmers asserted. Some also voiced concern that the government is yet to recognize the scale of the problem. 'This is not an isolated case. It is spread across entire villages. If no urgent action is taken, it will severely affect the district's agricultural output,' a farmer from Karjagi warned. This episode has intensified scrutiny of the Agriculture Department's procurement and quality-check process for distributing seeds under government programs. Political and farmers' organizations are now demanding accountability from the seed supplier as well as from the authorities responsible for verifying seed viability. The failure comes at a time when farmers are already struggling with erratic rainfall and rising input costs. If corrective action and financial support are not provided soon, this could snowball into a larger agrarian protest. The district administration is yet to announce any official compensation package. However, with tensions rising and with the sowing window narrowing, a swift and farmer-friendly intervention is being widely demanded.
Time of India
11-05-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Govt focused on improving farmers' lives, says Karnataka minister Laxmi Hebbalkar
Udupi: Women and child development minister Laxmi Hebbalkar emphasised that under chief minister Siddaramaiah's leadership, the state administration is implementing initiatives focused on supporting and improving the lives of farmers. During the inauguration of a Raitha Samparka Kendra (RSK) at Koteshwara near here on Sunday, the minister highlighted that farmers in the state received consistent support, regardless of the governing administration."RSKs serve as vital information hubs, disseminating knowledge about cutting-edge agricultural technologies to farmers. Through these centres, farmers can enhance their earnings by adopting modern techniques. These facilities are tasked with providing details about governmental initiatives, superior quality seeds, and appropriate fertilisers for cultivation. Operation Sindoor 'Our job is to hit target, not to count body bags': Air Marshal Bharti on Op Sindoor Precautionary blackout imposed across parts of Rajasthan, Punjab 'Indian Navy was in position to strike Karachi': Vice Admiral on Operation Sindoor While the agriculture department offers various subsidised equipment, farmers can only benefit from these schemes when officials ensure adequate awareness and publicity," Hebbalkar insisted that the district administration and the agriculture department work as a bridge between farmers and govt. They have the responsibility to ensure that the benefits of all schemes reach the doorsteps of the farmers. The purpose of RSKs will be served only if officials work in this direction, she added."India is primarily an agricultural nation, and former Prime Minister Lal Bahadur Shastri gave us the slogan of 'Jai Jawan, Jai Kisan'. All of us know very well that we will have to remain hungry if our farmers stay away from the farms. If our nation is developing as a 'Vishwa Guru', it is an outcome of the hard work and dedication of the farmers that paved the way for this achievement. India, which was importing food grains, has become an exporter as we are growing crops excessively," she said."Through divine intervention and the collective goodwill of well-wishers, I survived a severe accident that could have been fatal. I stand before you today, grateful for this second chance at life," the minister MLA Kiran Kumar Kodgi said there is a need for govt to announce a support price for paddy. He said the area of paddy cultivation is dwindling. He mentioned previous experiences of farmers who faced inconvenience due to a shortage of seeds. Officials ensured a sufficient stock of seeds, he said, adding that the information needs to be shared among farmers. Get the latest lifestyle updates on Times of India, along with Mother's Day wishes , messages , and quotes !
Time of India
11-05-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Govt focused on improving farmers lives: Karnataka minister Laxmi Hebbalkar
UDUPI: Women and Child Development minister Laxmi Hebbalkar emphasised that under chief minister Siddaramaiah's leadership, the state administration is implementing initiatives focused on supporting and improving the lives of farmers. During the inauguration of a Raitha Samparka Kendra (RSK) at Koteshwara on Sunday, the minister highlighted that farmers in the state received consistent support, regardless of the governing administration. 'RSKs serve as vital information hubs, disseminating knowledge about cutting-edge agricultural technologies to farmers. Through these centres, farmers can enhance their earnings by adopting modern techniques. Operation Sindoor Amid flare-up hours after thaw, officials say things will settle down with time Ceasefire on, but pressure stays: Key decisions by India against Pak that still stand 'Will work with India & Pakistan to seek solution on Kashmir': Trump These facilities are tasked with providing details about governmental initiatives, superior quality seeds, and appropriate fertilisers for cultivation. While the agriculture department offers various subsidised equipment, farmers can only benefit from these schemes when officials ensure adequate awareness and publicity,' Hebbalkar said. She insisted that the district administration and the agriculture department work as a bridge between farmers and the govt. They have the responsibility to ensure that the benefits of all schemes reach the doorsteps of the farmers. The purpose of RSKs will be served only if officials work in this direction, she added. 'India is primarily an agricultural nation, and former Prime Minister Lal Bahadur Shastri gave us the slogan of ' Jai Jawan , Jai Kisan '. All of us know very well that we will have to remain hungry if our farmers stay away from the farms. If our nation is developing as a 'Vishwa Guru', it is an outcome of the hard work and dedication of the farmers that paved the way for this achievement. India, which was importing food grains, has become an exporter as we are growing crops excessively,' she said. 'Through divine intervention and the collective goodwill of well-wishers, I survived a severe accident that could have been fatal. I stand before you today, grateful for this second chance at life,' the minister said. Kundapur MLA Kiran Kumar Kodgi said that there is a need for the govt to announce a support price for paddy. He said that the area of paddy cultivation is dwindling. He mentioned previous experiences of farmers who faced inconvenience due to a shortage of seeds. Officials ensured a sufficient stock of seeds, he said, adding that the information needs to be shared among farmers. Get the latest lifestyle updates on Times of India, along with Mother's Day wishes , messages , and quotes !
