Krishika Samaja bridges gap between farmers and policymakers, says Chaluvarayaswamy

Agriculture Minister N. Chaluvarayaswamy said that the Krishika Samaja acts as a vital link between farmers and the government by bringing agricultural issues to the attention of policymakers through the Department of Agriculture.

He was speaking after inaugurating the new building of the Ballari District Krishika Samaja on Saturday, jointly organised by the Department of Agriculture and Krishika Samaja at the premises of the old taluk office in Ballari city.

“The Krishika Samaja has a rich history, dating back to the pre-Independence era. The government is committed to strengthening it by constructing buildings for its units across all districts and taluks of the State,” he said.

Recalling the legacy of Leslie Charles Coleman, the first Director of Agriculture during the pre-Independence period, the Minister said Coleman played a crucial role in establishing Krishika Samajas in Karnataka.

“Of the 36 taluks where land has been identified for constructing Krishika Samaja buildings, 32 have already been completed. The government has sanctioned ₹27 lakh for each taluk-level building and ₹50 lakh for district-level offices,” the Minister said.

Mr. Chaluvarayaswamy further said that the Krishika Samaja in Karnataka is among the most active in the country, maintaining close coordination with the government. He also acknowledged the contribution of former Lok Sabha Member Basavarajeswari from Ballari for her efforts in securing the new building, adding that the State Krishika Samaja has been named after her in recognition of her service to farmers.

Ballari city MLA Nara Bharat Reddy, who presided over the event, said the Congress government led by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar was fully committed to farmers’ welfare without any discrimination. He added that a new sugar factory would soon be set up at Hosapete, benefiting farmers in Hosapete, Ballari, Kampli, and Hagaribommanahalli taluks.

Lok Sabha Member from Ballari E. Tukaram, who was the chief guest, said that under his MP fund, each of the eight taluks in the undivided Ballari district was provided with computers and projectors worth ₹2 lakh each for farmers’ information centres. “These will help train farmers in scientific and organic farming practices,” he added. He also urged the Minister to conduct a survey of crop loss in Kampli, Kurugodu, and Siruguppa taluks following the recent rains and to open maize procurement centres in the district.

In his introductory remarks, Joint Director of Agriculture Somasundar said that the Krishika Samaja plays a key role in highlighting district-level issues before the State Executive Committee for redressal. 

“The Ballari unit had acquired a 10,368 sq. ft site from the Deputy Commissioner in 1984, began the construction process in 2020, and laid the foundation stone in 2022. The ₹1 crore building is now complete and inaugurated,” he said.

Earlier, the Minister inaugurated an exhibition of agricultural machinery, organic fertilisers, farm tools, and food-processing units established under the PMFME scheme. Scientists and agriculture officials also held interactive sessions with farmers on agro-processing, value addition, marketing, and new technologies.

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