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

Karnataka Agicultural Policy 2006
Micro-irrrigation helps all types farmers in saving water, increasing yields, supporting new
technological packages and increasing the employment irrespective of the size of holding. It
will be therefore essential that the scheme of subsides for drip/sprinkler irrigation should be
provided to all farmers and regions irrespective of the size of holding or type of the region.
Micro irrigation revolution will go a long way in creating perfect water use discipline in the
state and help us reap advantages like Israel. The state, therefore takes a lead to create such
water use discipline.
• To prevent over exploitation of ground water, steps such as ineligibility for subsidy, nonprovision
of electricity for deep bore wells will be considered. In all tanks, lift irrigation
projects and command area farmers will be encouraged to adopt sprinkler or drip irrigation
systems.
• Community based recharging of ground water will insisted upon to augment individual
approach.
• Encouraging conjugative use of ground water and surface water particularly in command
areas.
`14
Disseminating Growth Drivers: Changing Role of Extension
14.1 During the last two decades, the agricultural situation in the country has undergone a qualitative
change. The combined effect of the relentless population growth, improved family incomes has lead to
challenge in life styles; created export opportunities and expansion of agro – based industries. All these
have resulted in palpable changes in the demand pattern for agricultural commodities. The land area
available for cultivation being limited, under the pressure of population growth, farm holdings in the
country are increasing in number, but decreasing in size. Thus, between 1970-71 and 2000-01, the
number of holdings in the state has increased from 36 lakhs to 66 lakhs, and the average farm size has
come down to 1.95 ha from 3.2 ha.
14.2 The increased number of small holdings makes it necessary to focus on them as the future harbingers
of change and instruments of growth. The present, male- centered “contact farmer approach”, is
inadequate for familiarising the entire family with modern agricultural technology. It is well
recognized that farmers are changing over the years, both as individuals, as well as their contact with
the outside world and their information seeking habits. Today they require extension services unlike
two decades ago. As the agricultural sector will be gradually segregating into two different segments
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