CHITRADURGA: The Minister for Agriculture, K. Srinivasa Gowda, has said that the Government is working on the proposal to divert west-flowing rivers to drought-prone districts in the State.

Addressing a gathering after laying the foundation stone for the district Krishik Samaj buildings here on Thursday, he threatened to file criminal cases against traders selling poor quality seeds and fertilizers to farmers.

"The previous Government had sanctioned Rs. 2.5 crores to study the proposal to divert west-flowing rivers in the Sahyadri ranges to the plains. But Rs. 15 crores is needed to complete the study. The rest of the money will be released after getting the approval of the State Cabinet," he said.

Water crisis

On the severity of the water crisis in the district, he said people should use water judiciously. "A day may come when entire villages will migrate in search of water. We should correct our mistakes before it is too late."

He stressed the need to demonstrate the relevance of dignity of labour as a value, particularly to educated and unemployed youth, who hesitate to venture into their traditional occupation — agriculture. He called upon women to dissuade their husbands from consuming alcohol.

Presiding over the function, G.H. Thippa Reddy, Chitradurga MLA, expressed regret over the "lopsided development" in Chitradurga district.

Mr. Reddy urged the Minister to extend the 100 per cent subsidy on drip irrigation projects to the district, which, he said, is emerging as the horticultural hub of the State.

He also asked the Minister to help onion growers in the district get permission to export their produce.

Stressing the importance of water, N.Y. Gopalakrishna, Deputy Speaker of the Legislative Assembly, asked people to unite to fight for irrigation of the district.

H. Anjaneya, Bharama Sagar MLA, drew the attention of Mr. Gowda to the water crisis plaguing the region.

M.C. Shivanna Reddy, president of the Krishik Samaj, urged the Minister to take steps to extend the deadline for the repayment of crop loans by a year.

He also told the gathering that the building will be constructed at a cost of Rs.50 lakhs.

B.Y. Srinivas, Joint Director of Agriculture and ex-officio secretary of Krishik Samaj, welcomed the gathering.

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