Date:05/04/2007 URL: http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/2007/04/05/stories/2007040502322100.htm

Back Adopt mechanisation, farmers told

Our Bureau

Bantwal (D.K. Dt) April 4 There is a need for farmers to take up mechanisation of agricultural activities to tide over scarcity of labourers, according to Dr D. Veerendra Heggade, Chairman of the Sri Kshetra Dharmasthala Rural Development Project (SKDRDP).

Speaking at the inauguration of the 27th annual `Kisan Mela,' organised by the SKDRDP at Bantwal in Dakshina Kannada district on Wednesday, he said that the agriculture sector is facing shortage of labourers.

The priority of the SKDRDP is to create awareness on innovative farming.

The `Kisan Mela' provides an opportunity for farmers to know more about innovative farming and farm mechanisation techniques.

Dr Heggade also spoke about the efforts of SKDRDP in empowering farmers with small and marginal holdings. "Agriculture is not a curse if it is practised in a proper manner."

Mr B. Nagaraja Shetty, Minister for Fisheries and Religious Endowment, who inaugurated an exhibition at the `mela,' lauded the role of SKDRDP in women's empowerment.

The Government is keen to implement some of its development projects in association with the organisations such as SKDRDP, he added.

Over 200 stalls are on display at the `mela.'

Most display items related to farm mechanisation and value-added agriculture products, including native organic vegetables.

Symposiums on water harvesting and farm mechanisation were conducted as part of the `mela,' which ends on April 6.