Karnataka - Shimoga   

A genuine concern for farmers

SHIMOGA: B.S. Yeddyurappa, perhaps, is the first Chief Minister in the State to take the oath of office in the name of farmers and God.

This, his admirers say, shows his genuine concern to the plight of farmers. It, however, does not come as a surprise from a person whose political career is marked by several fights and movements in support of farmers’ demands — be it the regularisation of “bagair hukum” cultivation, fair price for agricultural produce and proper rehabilitation for released bonded labourers.

Perhaps, it was his understanding of the problems of farmers, particularly of those engaged in “bagair hukum” cultivation, that motivated him to improve their lot when he became Deputy Chief Minister holding the portfolios of Finance, Excise and Minor Irrigation.

His concern for the pitiable conditions of farmers engaged in “bagair hukum” cultivation can be gauged by the manner in which he solved their problems while acquiring land for the development of the airport at Sogane about 8 km from here.

Mr. Yeddyurappa as Minister in-charge of Shimoga district addressed the farmers at Sogane explaining the need for developing the airport. He said that developing the airport meant the overall development of the district.

However, the poor farmers who could not appreciate the need for the airport expressed their opposition to the proposal.

Mr. Yeddyurappa promised them saying “the airport project will not be taken up unless you are properly rehabilitated.” He held two meetings with the representatives of “bagair hukum” cultivators and offered relief more than the market price.

Mr. Yeddyurappa’s humane approach not only won the hearts of the farmers but also helped the authorities take possession of about 650 acres of land, 527 of it being under “bagair hukum” cultivation.

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