Mysuru: Favorable monsoon rains have helped bring more than 1 lakh hectares of farmland in Mandya district under sugarcane, paddy, and ragi cultivation for the 2024-25 agricultural season, reported The Hindu.
Mandya Deputy Commissioner Kumar shared the details during a review meeting on agricultural progress held on Monday. He reported that sugarcane was cultivated on 40,361 hectares, paddy on 57,084 hectares and ragi on 54,018 hectares, across the district.
During the meeting, Mr Kumar stressed the importance of farmers enrolling in the Karnataka Raitha Suraksha-PM Fasal Bima Scheme, which provides insurance coverage for crops against unpredictable weather and natural calamities. “This scheme aims to protect farmers from the risks of crop loss. It’s essential for them to opt for insurance for the notified crops to safeguard their livelihood,” he said.
He noted that crops like hurali (horse gram) grown under rain-fed conditions at the Gram Panchayat level in Maddur, Mandya, Nagamangala, Pandavapura, and Srirangapatna taluks were eligible for crop insurance. Additionally, paddy grown in areas with irrigation coverage in Mandya, Pandavapura, and Srirangapatna taluks would also qualify for insurance protection.
Mr Kumar encouraged farmers to adopt modern irrigation methods such as drip and sprinkler systems. He highlighted that the government offers a 90% subsidy for farmers with up to two hectares of land, while those with more than two hectares are eligible for a 45% subsidy.
To support efficient harvesting, Mr Kumar announced that the government has fixed rental rates for hybrid harvesting machines for 2024-25. Chain-type paddy harvesters will be available for ₹2,500 per hour, while crawler-type harvesters can be rented for ₹2,000 per hour. He also mentioned that rates have been established for ragi harvesting machines.
The Agricultural Department was tasked with raising awareness about the government’s various farmer support schemes. The meeting was attended by Mandya Zilla Panchayat CEO Sheikh Tanvir Asif, Joint Director of Agriculture Ashok, and other officials.
