Mysuru: Deputy Commissioner G Lakshmikanth Reddy on Thursday assured that farmers’ grievances would be addressed on a priority basis, while presiding over a district-level farmers’ redressal meeting at the zilla panchayat hall.
The DC instructed the district lead bank to ensure timely disbursal of crop loans. He emphasized that interest rates on gold loans taken by farmers must align with Reserve Bank of India guidelines. Nationalised banks were cautioned against imposing exorbitant interest rates on loans taken by pledging gold, as such funds are vital for agricultural inputs like seeds and sowing.
He also directed officials from the agriculture department to oversee the distribution of high-quality seeds and fertilisers, warning of legal action against sellers of counterfeit products. Strict monitoring will be conducted to curb the sale of spurious farm inputs.
Turning to water supply, the DC urged swift completion of Jal Jeevan Mission works to guarantee continuous drinking water access to rural households through tap connections. He stressed the maintenance of RO plants across the district to provide clean drinking water.
In response to concerns from sugarcane growers, he announced that the Srirama Cooperative Sugar Factory in Chunchanakatte will resume crushing this season, while Bannari Amman Sugar Limited will begin operations next month.
Farmers also urged the administration to extend Fasal Bima insurance to horticulture crops, remove encroachments on lakes, and conduct soil testing at all Krishi Samparka Kendras.
Forest official KN Basavaraju highlighted ongoing efforts in afforestation and roadside plantation, while other senior officials including the SP and agriculture officers were in attendance.
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