Scheme to help Karnataka farmers, all the way

The horticulture department will soon launch a Rs305 crore scheme for farmers in the state. With the drought hitting the state severely, the department has decided to join hands with farmers to improve crop yield and help them market the produce better.

Vandita Sharma, principal secretary, horticulture department, said: "We will also be part of the national horticulture mission to ensure that profits trickle down to the poorest of the poor."

The scheme is expected to reach 50,000 farmers covering 2.8 lakh hectares. "The government will provide water, transport, seeds and the link to the market which will help farmers in every step of farming," explained Dr Hittalmani.

The scheme will cover spices, fruits and flowers. "The government will help farmers in rejuvenating crops such as cashew and mango for which yields have been low," he added.