Karnataka: Raitha Samparka Kendras double up as AIDS centres for farmers
Ballari: In ore-rich Ballari, Raitha Samparka Kendras not only provide updated technical information on crop selection, crop production related know-how and market information but also spread awareness about HIV and AIDS among farmers.
Ballari district AIDS Prevention & Control Committee has launched an innovative programe in the district by roping in the Agriculture Department to spread awareness on HIV among farmers as the committee found that about 45% people among the total HIV infected identified last year were either farmers or agriculture labourers. As the monsoon begins, farmers visit Raitha Samparka Kendras for procuring seeds and for availing soil testing facilities. The AIDS Prevention & Control Committee has found a way to create awareness among farmers through as many as 27 Kendras functioning in district by putting up flexes and hoardings in the premises of the Kendras.
In 2014-15, 1,139 cases of HIV were confirmed in the district, among them 37 % (418) are agriculture labourers and 8% (88) are farmers. Altogether 45% of the HIV infected have an agricultural background.
Earlier, the AIDS Prevention & Control Committee had launched an effective awareness drive among truck drivers, particularly iron ore-transporting truck drivers to check the HIV menace in the district. With the slowdown in the mining industry, HIV cases among truck drivers have also come down. This year, the AIDS Prevention & Control Committee kickstarted a drive in the farming community following the increase in HIV cases among farmers.
Apart from Raitha Samparka Kendras at the hobli level, awareness about AIDS/HIV is being spread in the offices of the joint director of agriculture at the district headquarters and assistant director of agriculture at the taluk level. Bellary district AIDS Prevention & Control Committee’s coordinator Dr Narasimha said it is difficult for the committee staff to reach every village and speak about the ill-effects of unsafe sex among farmers, hence the committee in co-ordination with the agriculture department, had launched an awareness drive through Raitha Samparka Kendras. Besides, a toll-free Number, 1097 was given to farmers to get more information about the HIV infection.
Joint Director of district agriculture department Mr K Ramappa said that his department is bearing the expenses for putting up flex boards and hoardings displaying the dangers of unsafe sex.
