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Suvarna Krishi Grama Yojane launched by Karnataka Government & ICRISAT
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Saturday, 06 August, 2016, 08 : 00 AM [IST]
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Our Bureau, Mumbai
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fiogf49gjkf0d fiogf49gjkf0d The Government of Karnataka, the International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-arid Tropics (ICRISAT) and consortium partners launched a scheme called Suvarna Krishi Grama Yojane (Golden Agriculture Village Scheme): Transforming agriculture and livelihoods in rural Karnataka in Hirebidnur.
It was launched by Krishna Byre Gowda, Karnataka’s minister of state for agriculture, in the presence of dignitaries, officials and farmers. The consortium recognised the potential for a strong collaboration in dryland agriculture within the framework of their respective development objectives.
Through this new collaborative initiative, 105 villages will be developed as model villages in the first phase. The targeted farmers’ incomes will increase by 20 per cent in one year through augmented productivity, diversification and market linkages. In all, 1,000 villages are expected to be covered under the scheme.
By actively involving the community in the scheme from its inception, the objective is to transform rural areas by developing an impact-oriented participatory model using state-of-the-art technologies. This model can be scaled up for more integrated and sustainable rural development in the state. A comprehensive approach will also be taken by promoting inclusive market-oriented development (IMOD) that links farmers with the markets and builds stable relationships.
“Our government is keen to ensure large benefits to farmers in the state by bringing science-led development to the farmers’ doorsteps with technical support from premier international institutions like ICRISAT and our state universities through schemes like Bhoochetana and Bhoo Samruddhi,” stated Gowda.
“We are now strengthening our collaboration with ICRISAT and other international institutions, state universities and departments of the Karnataka government (agriculture and allied sectors) to enhance the impact of the Suvarna Krishi Grama Yojane,” he added.
Dr David Bergvinson, director general, ICRISAT, said, “To increase productivity, production and profiltability for Karnataka farmers, we have been working together with the government of Karnataka through several successful initiatives. This new collaboration will take our partnership to a higher level and we are optimistic of further transforming the agricultural sector and livelihoods of Karnataka farmers.”
One of the most important strategies to be adopted for achieving the vision of this new scheme is to undertake science-led and demand-driven development of rural areas by adopting the principles of convergence, collective action and capacity building through a consortium approach, where all partners and stakeholders work together.
Ramalinga Reddy, minister of transport and district in-charge minister for Chikkaballapur District, said, “We are happy that this district has been included in the first phase of Suvarna Krishi Grama Yojane and international organisations like ICRISAT would be helping the district to transform agriculture in the district through these five villages.”
“We request ICRISAT to bring new technologies and demonstrate to our farmers, along with the other institutions and universities to benefit the farmers. The most important thing is we need to change our mindset so that new technologies are adopted and farmers get the benefit through this scheme,” said N H Shivashankara Reddy, deputy speaker, Karnataka Legislative Assembly, and Member of the Legislative Assembly, Gauribidanur.
Two coffee-table books - Enriching Farmers’ Lives: Bhoo Samruddhi and Transofrming Rural Livelihoods through Mission Bhoochetana - were also launched on the occasion.
The Karnataka government decided to implement the Suvarna Krishi Grama Yojane as indicated in the 2015-16 budget speech of the state chief minister in pilot districts and will be scaled up in a phased manner.
The new initiative is expected to provide better livelihoods to thousands living in rural communities in Karnataka through skill development, higher productivity, profitability and increased happiness due to better infrastructure and facilities in their areas.
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