Karnataka Agricultural Policy - Institute for Social and Economic ...

Karnataka Agicultural Policy 2006
The services of the media network of regional TV channels will be fully exploited to provide the
services and for the spread of Horticulture knowledge.
Cultivation in rainfed areas is the major challenge before the State and rainfed horticulture seems to
be the only hope for these areas in the future. It will not only provide income but also additional
employment in the integrated processing sector. A massive programme of rainfed horticulture
coupled with a drip irrigation scheme will be taken up in the Most Backward Talukas identified by
Nanjudappa Committee.
In order to improve the economic conditions of the people in the dry tracts and other nutrition and
health standards need emphasis and minor fruits play an important role in this regard. A special dryland
horticultural development programme will be taken up with State support, which will be
included in the Crop Planning exercise and placed on the website. This will also be popularised
through regional TV channels and pamphlets.
Thrust will be given to standardize post harvest practices and popularize the same among the farmers
by utilizing the services of the existing training centers of the Departments of Agriculture,
Horticulture, KSAMB, University etc., to impart crop specific training to farmers, traders and other
market intermediaries. Provision of cold-chain system for perishable commodities in the State by
establishing pre-cooling centers, cold storages and linking markets with refrigerated transport in the
private sector, co-operative and public sectors will be encouraged.
Viability of cold storage units will be ensured by locating them at appropriate places and suitable
incentives will be provided. For ensuring better occupancy of cold storages, good market information
system with marketing credits will be provided.
Organic cultivation has more relevance in horticultural sector. This has twin advantages. First it
reduces the cost of cultivation and replenishes the soil fertility and second, organically grown fruits
and vegetables attract better price and market advantages in both domestic and international markets.
Therefore, organic certification procedure needs to be put in place at every Raitha Samparka
Kendra. In addition to this, awareness will be created among farmers about the advantages of
organically grown fruits and vegetables. A special marketing and trade channel will be created for
these products under KAPPEC.
Adverse climatic conditions and natural calamities have been inflicting heavy losses on horticultural
producers. In order to help the farmers, Input Insurance Scheme for identified horticultural crops will
be put in place. Similarly, Crop Insurance will also be extended to more number of horticulture
crops.
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