Most farmers contact centres in disarray

8:55 PM 14 comments Agri info Media

BELLARY: The Farmers contact centres in Bellary district are in disarray. There are around 25 centres in the district, among which, 20 centres do not have their own building. The government pays a rent of Rs 1,200 to Rs 1,500 each month. These centres act as a link between farmer and government, but besides the distribution of seeds and fertilizers, there is nothing else going the farmers' way. These contact centres provide information to the farmers about new agricultural policies, crop protection and new agricultural methods. There are 17 touch screens in the district, of which six are malfunctioned and some unused.

Annually, the Centre grants Rs 10,000 to Rs 12,000 for the development of centres, but the amount is good enough only to clear electricity bills, phone and other bills. In Hampasagara of Hagaribommanhalli taluk, the construction of the centres at a cost of Rs 4.50 lakhs, have come to a standstill due to contract problems. Rupangudi, Thambralli villages still await the inauguration of the centres.

Thanks: The Times Of India