Santosh Lad Reviews Drought Preparedness, Stresses Timely Farm Input Supply
The minister said the crop survey was already underway across the district and would soon be carried out survey-number-wise to obtain a more accurate assessment of crop conditions and losses.
Dharwad: Karnataka Labour Minister Santosh S Lad on Wednesday directed officials to ensure that farmers do not face shortages of seeds and fertilisers during the sowing season and cautioned against overcharging and the involvement of middlemen in the distribution process.
Chairing a review meeting on drought preparedness and the progress of development works at the Kalaghatagi Taluk Panchayat Hall, Lad said farmers should have uninterrupted access to agricultural inputs at government-prescribed prices. He instructed officials to prominently display stock and price information at fertiliser distribution centres and warned that fertilisers should not be sold above the notified rates.
Later in the day, while reviewing the drought situation with district-level officials at the Deputy Commissioner's office in Dharwad, Lad expressed concern over the district receiving below-normal rainfall during the southwest monsoon and asked officials to ensure that rural areas do not face a drinking water shortage.
Lad is on a three-day tour of Dharwad district to assess the prevailing drought conditions after being entrusted with the district's charge following his induction into the State Cabinet. He visited several villages in Kalaghatagi taluk on Wednesday and is scheduled to tour villages in Navalgund, Annigeri and Kundgol on Thursday, followed by Alnavar taluk on Friday to assess the situation on the ground.
The minister said the crop survey was already underway across the district and would soon be carried out survey-number-wise to obtain a more accurate assessment of crop conditions and losses.
Emphasising the need for advance planning, Lad said the administration should remain prepared for any deterioration in the drought situation and ensure timely intervention to safeguard both drinking water supplies and the interests of farmers.
