Minister of State for Agriculture Krishna Byre Gowda on Tuesday said the State government would submit a comprehensive report seeking compensation for loss of crops due to rain from the Union government in a few days.

Speaking to reporters after chairing a review meeting of the department in the district here, Mr. Gowda said crops worth Rs. 56 crore had been damaged in the State, while the total rain-related loss was about Rs. 426 crore. The State has to get Rs. 266 crore from the Centre through flood damage and national disaster relief funds.

Reports from different districts were being consolidated and Chief Minister Siddaramaiah would submit a comprehensive report seeking relief soon, he said. The government had already commenced relief operations.

The Minister reiterated the government’s proposal to merge the Watershed Development Department with his department as both were complementary to each other. However, there would be a separate commissioner for that department to continue to get Union funds, he said.

The Raita Samparka Kendras in villages would also be equipped to disseminate information on sericulture and horticulture. Farmers should not be have to approach different offices for the required information, he said.

Source - http://www.thehindu.com/