Relief to farmers: MP thanks Centre

KOPPA: MP Oscar Fernandes lauded the Union government for providing interim relief to Yellow Leaf Disease affected areca growers in Chikmagalur, Udupi and Shimoga districts. In a press release issued on Thursday, he requested the farmers not to take the extreme step of committing suicide as the Union Finance Ministry is considering his request for waiver of loans, which was recommended by the Union Agriculture Ministry. Farmers who possess up to four hectares are expected to get relief, he stated. In the span of eight years from 2003 to 2011, 384 farmers committed suicide in Chikmagalur, Udupi and Shimoga districts and further loss of life should be stopped, he added.  As per the request of District Youth Congress Committee president Sachin Meega, a delegation was taken to the Prime Minister, Union Finance Minister and Agriculture Minister, which resulted in the interim relief.Areca farmers in the region will get a rejuvenation package, which provides a maximum of `60,000 for reviving plantations up to two hectares, he added.