Research and market access vital to making farming profitable: Minister

Forest, Ecology and Environment Minister and Bidar district in-charge Eshwar B. Khandre on Sunday said that agriculture can become a profitable sector only when backed by sustained research, assured market access and effective delivery of government schemes on the doorsteps of farmers.

He was speaking after inaugurating a Job Mela, Millet Mela, Fruit and Flower Exhibition and Fisheries Fair organised jointly by the district administration, the Zilla Panchayat, the departments of Skill Development, Agriculture, Horticulture and Fisheries at Nehru Stadium in Bidar.

Stating that nearly 75% of the district’s population depends on agriculture due to limited industrial presence, Mr. Khandre stressed the need to strengthen the farm sector.

He noted that around 10 lakh acres are cultivated annually in the district, of which 50% is under soybean, 25% under tur (pigeon pea) and the remaining 25% under other crops.

He urged farmers to diversify their cropping pattern instead of relying on a single crop and encouraged greater cultivation of millets.

“Millets are not merely foodgrains; they are the foundation of a healthy life. They require less water, are climate-resilient and ensure stable income for farmers. They protect both agriculture and public health,” he said and appealed to people to incorporate millets into their daily diet.

He also called upon farmers to focus on value-added products to improve their income.

The Minister said that the primary objective of the mela is to create awareness about government schemes, horticulture produce and market support systems to ensure farmers receive remunerative prices for their crops.

Highlighting government support during recent adversities, Mr. Khandre said that due to excessive rainfall last year, crops over 1.65 lakh hectares were damaged.

“The government deposited ₹288 crore directly into the bank accounts of 1.92 lakh farmers as compensation. In addition, about ₹100 crore has already been disbursed under crop insurance, with another ₹50 crore expected shortly. In total, nearly ₹450 crore has been credited directly to farmers accounts in the district,” he said.

He also stressed the need to curb excessive chemical use in agriculture and promote sustainable practices. Irrigation projects such as Karanja and Mekar are operational and steps will be taken to fill lakes in Aurad taluk, he added and reiterated the government’s commitment to the welfare of farmers.

Zilla Panchayat Chief Executive Officer Girish Dilip Badole said that 32 companies are participating in the Job Mela and urged job-seekers to register in large numbers through the online link made available via NRLM and GPLF networks at the village level.

The Minister later visited 49 stalls set up by various government departments and private institutions as part of the fair.

Earlier, a Siridhanya Nadige (Millet Walk) was flagged off by Bidar South MLA Shailendra Beldale from Chhatrapati Shivaji Circle to Nehru Stadium, with women carrying millets drawing attention.

Municipal Administration and Haj Minister Rahim Khan, Karnataka Fisheries Development Corporation Chairperson Mala Narayanrao, KADA Chairman Babu Honnanayak, Deputy Commissioner Shilpa Sharma, Bidar City Corporation Commissioner Mukul Jain and other officials were present.