Chikmagalur, Nov. 15:

The state government is ready fully prepared to check the spread of pest attack to the commercial crops, said Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai.

Speaking to reporters here on Tuesday, he said the areca nut in the Malnad region has been attacked by a particular pest and the universities concerned and the central government agencies are into the work of finding solutions to the pest. The government has released Rs 10 crore grant to spray pesticide. If the agricultural scientists find out the reasons for pest, treatment and other things the government will take necessary steps in this regard. Since the pest is spreading in an alarming stage the government has taken it quite seriously.

Input subsidy given within 1.5 months

On giving input subsidy over damage to onion and other crops in Malenadu and Bayaluseeme region, the CM said the government has doubled the input subsidy being given to farmers for the crop damage due to natural calamities. Already, Rs 99 crore input subsidy has been distributed to farmers. The government will pay the input subsidy if the district administration takes up joint survey and submit a report. The previous governments were distributing input subsidy after one year but the incumbent responsive government had distributed the input subsidy within one and a half months.