MP E. Tukaram has instructed officials to commission a detailed survey by agricultural scientists to devise a master plan aimed at transforming farming practices in Hospet, Kudligi, Kottur, Huvina Hadagali, Hagari Bommanahalli, and Harapanahalli taluks within Vijayanagara district.
During a District Development Coordination and Monitoring Committee (DISHA) meeting at the district administrative complex in Hosapete on Tuesday, the MP emphasized that the Agriculture and Horticulture departments should promote scientific farming aligned with local weather and soil conditions.
“Farmers often face losses due to reliance on traditional methods. They should be guided to grow crops suited to their specific soil and climate. We need to encourage the cultivation of commercial crops like grapes, tamarind, and engage in sericulture. First, a thorough study by farm scientists is needed to determine the most suitable crops for each area, followed by the creation of a district-wide master plan,” Mr. Tukaram stated.
Additionally, Mr. Tukaram instructed the Animal Husbandry and Fisheries Department to promote livestock and fish farming as supplementary income sources for farmers.
Addressing the state of healthcare facilities in rural areas, Mr. Tukaram called on the Health and Family Welfare Department to provide a list of needs, including infrastructure, personnel, equipment, and ambulances, to enhance healthcare services in the district.
On issues of child marriage, child labor, child pregnancy, and malnutrition, Mr. Tukaram urged officials to conduct extensive awareness campaigns using various art forms to educate the public. He stressed the importance of implementing government programs to combat malnutrition and address child-related issues effectively. The Deputy Commissioner, Superintendent of Police, and Zilla Panchayat Chief Executive Officer were instructed to spearhead special initiatives to eliminate these problems in the district.
Regarding housing projects for economically weaker sections, Mr. Tukaram set a deadline for the completion of 917 houses currently under construction, insisting they be finished and allocated to beneficiaries before Deepavali. He also highlighted that out of 6,420 sanctioned houses, 386 beneficiaries have yet to link their Aadhaar numbers, and urged a swift resolution.
Legislators M.P. Latha Mallikarjun, N.T. Srinivas, and L. Krishna Naik, along with Deputy Commissioner M.S. Diwakar, Zilla Panchayat CEO Nongjai Mohammad Ali Akram Shah, Additional Deputy Commissioner E. Balakrishnappa, Assistant Commissioner Vivekananda P. Chidanand, and other senior officials were present.
