3-day convention of farmers in Kalaburagi on Dec 12 to 14

Political leaders cutting across party lines and various organisations under the banner of the Nava Karnataka Raitha Sangha will organise a three-day State-level farmers’ convention at Kere Bhosga village on the outskirts of Kalaburagi from December 12 to 14.

Addressing a press conference in Kalaburagi on October 26, organising committee president and former minister Malikayya Guttedar said the convention is being organised at a time when the farming sector was facing distress and needed guidance to address its challenges.

Mr. Guttedar said that agriculture experts from different parts of the country will participate in sessions on Gram Swarajya, food practices, and the importance of securing a minimum support price (MSP) for agricultural produce.

The convention will discuss issues concerning migrant workers, advanced farming technologies, water-efficient agricultural practices, and allied activities such as cattle rearing, goat farming, poultry, pisciculture, biogas production, and vermicomposting to help farmers diversify their income sources.

Social activist Anna Hazare and religious leaders, including Suttur Jagadguru Sri Shivaratri Deshikendra Mahaswami, Adrushya Kadasiddeshwara Swami of Kaneri matt in Kolhapur, Maharashtra, and Abhinava Gavi Siddeshwara Swami of Gavi matt in Koppal, are expected to attend the inaugural programme.

Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan, Karnataka’s Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar, former chief ministers Siddaramaiah and B.S. Yediyurappa, and Union Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy are expected to participate in the convention.

The event will be held on an 18-acre agricultural plot, where nearly 250 stalls showcasing agricultural equipment available at affordable prices, will be set up. Expenses of the convention will be borne by members of the organising committee.

Replying to a question, Mr. Guttedar said the convention marks the beginning of a broader initiative, and that the organisers would formulate a future course of action to support the farming community.