Belagavi City Digests

Shettar flags connectivity woes on NH projectBelagavi: Lok Sabha MP Jagadish Shettar on Friday visited villages in Bailhongal taluk and reviewed problems faced by farmers and residents due to the lack of connectivity roads along the Belagavi-Shegunamatti-Hunagund-Raichur four-lane highway project.

The visit followed complaints from farmers that the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) had failed to provide access roads to agricultural fields along the newly constructed stretch, making it difficult to reach their lands. Shettar inspected the situation at Marikatti Cross, Naganur, Inchal and Marakumbi villages. Farmers also urged him to increase the height of a culvert under construction near Marikatti Cross from 4.5 metres to 5.5 metres to enable vehicles carrying agricultural produce to pass through conveniently.

Responding to the demands, Shettar directed the NHAI project director to examine the feasibility of providing connectivity roads and to review the proposal for increasing the height of the culvert.KLE’s Law college marks annual day with fanfareBelagavi: KLE’s BV Bellad Law College celebrated its annual day for the academic year 2025-26 on Saturday with enthusiasm and grandeur. Gangadhar KN, Second Additional District and Sessions Judge, distributed prizes to students who excelled in academics, sports, cultural activities and other co-curricular events.

Addressing the gathering, he described the legal profession as a noble calling that demands integrity, dedication and a strong commitment to justice.

He urged students to work hard, acquire sound legal knowledge and develop the ability to interpret laws effectively to serve society and uphold the rule of law. He also encouraged aspiring lawyers to maintain high ethical standards and contribute meaningfully to the profession.

Senior advocate RB Bellad presided over the function and advised students to emulate commitment, perseverance and professional excellence in their careers. College principal Jyoti G Hiremath, college union chairperson Savita Pattanshetti, Sairaj Ambale and Richa Rao were present.Applications invited for Krishi Pandit Award, crop contestBelagavi: The Department of Agriculture has invited online applications for the 2026-27 Krishi Pandit Award and Monsoon Crop Competition to recognise farmers who have achieved excellence and adopted innovative agricultural practices.FRUITS registration must for govt farm benefitsBelagavi: Farmers must register details of all their land holdings in the FRUITS software to avail benefits provided by the Agriculture and Horticulture departments, including drought relief, crop insurance and support price schemes, the Assistant Director of Agriculture has said. Officials noted that details of 63,574 land holdings in Belagavi taluk are yet to be entered in the system.

Farmers have been urged to visit their nearest Raita Samparka Kendra with Aadhaar and bank passbook details to complete the registration process.

E-KYC has also been made mandatory for receiving financial assistance under the PM-Kisan scheme. Farmers who have not completed the process have been asked to do so immediately. Under the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana, soybean, bajra, groundnut and cotton have been notified as eligible crops in Belagavi taluk. The last date for crop insurance registration is July 31. Farmers can contact their local bank, service centres or Agriculture Department offices for further information.