Karnataka budget: Organic farming to cover more villages

The government has earmarked Rs200 crore to promote organic farming in the state for 2012-13. The allocation was Rs206.50 crore last year.

Chief minister DV Sadananda Gowda said organic farming would be extended to more villages. The Organic Farming Mission would be redesigned as Amrutha Bhoomi project to promote organic farming.

Welcoming the budgetary allocation, R Kantha Raj, secretary and project coordinator, Association for Organic Farming, said there is a need to create awareness among the consumers about the benefits of organic products.

“It is unfortunate that Organic Farming Mission did not take up certification programme for the benefit of farmers and consumers. The certificates have to be given to farmers under participatory guarantee scheme,” he said.

AS Anand, chairperson, Organic Farming Mission, expressed his disappointment over the state government’s failure to release funds allocated in the last budget.

“Former chief minister Yeddyurappa had allocated Rs206.50 crore to promote organic farming but not a single rupee has been released. I am finding it hard to answer queries about the funds for organic farming.

It would be helpful if Gowda makes arrangements to release last year’s Rs206.50 crore as well as this year’s Rs200 crore,” he said.
There are about 40,000 farmers practicing organic farming in the state.“We are planning to open 10 outlets in Bangalore during 2012-13,” he said.