Karnataka govt plans to establish farmers’ produce stalls similar to Nandini across state

Karnataka govt plans to establish farmers’ produce stalls similar to Nandini across state

Mangalore Today News Network

Bengaluru, May 31, 2023: On May 30, the Agriculture Minister of Karnataka, Chaluvarayaswamy, announced the introduction of vegetable stalls called Amrutha Malige (Amrita Shops) across the state, following the success of Nandini stalls. These Amrutha Malige stalls will sell locally sourced produce from farmers and will be situated next to the existing Nandini stalls.

 

While Nandini stalls primarily offer dairy products, Amrutha Malige will focus on selling fresh vegetables. The minister informed the media that a pilot project consisting of two stalls had been successfully carried out, leading to the decision of implementing this initiative in all districts of Karnataka.

Chaluvarayaswamy further revealed that the agriculture department had approximately 58% of vacant positions. The government will consider hiring permanent or contract employees to fill these positions, which amount to 8,982 in total, with 5,195 currently vacant.

The minister acknowledged the delay in communicating agricultural programs to farmers due to the large number of vacant positions in the department, which exceeds 3,000.

To ensure the needs of all farmers are met before the sowing season, the agriculture minister has instructed his department to provide quality seeds, fertilizers, and other necessary items. He assured that an ample supply of fertilizers is available in the state, and the target is to sow 82.35 lakh hectares.

Chaluvarayaswamy projected a food grain production of 139.28 lakh tonnes for the 2022-23 season in the state. Additionally, the demand for seeds is estimated to be 5.54 lakh quintals, and the state currently has a stock of 7.85 lakh quintals.