Chief Minister Siddaramaiah led the inauguration ceremony of a new structure for the Bhavurao Deshpande Veterinary College in Kokatnur village, located near Athani within the Belagavi district. This event stands as a noteworthy milestone in the enhancement of veterinary education infrastructure in the area.
Named in honor of Bhavurao Deshpande, a former MLA and prominent RSS leader with roots in Athani, the college holds affiliation with the Karnataka Veterinary, Animal and Fisheries Sciences University located in Bidar.
Athani, situated at a considerable distance of 150 km from Belagavi’s district headquarters, ranks among the more remote taluks in the State. Its geographic location places it at approximately 60 km from Sangli, 75 km from Vijayapura, and roughly 125 km from Bagalkot.
Following the establishment of the government horticulture college in Arabavi, the government veterinary college now stands as the second institution dedicated to farm sciences within the Belagavi district.
Education
Expressing his views, Laxman Savadi, a Member of Legislative Assembly and a former Minister, emphasized that the establishment of the college holds the potential to offer the youth of this underserved region both valuable education and employment opportunities.
Furthermore, he highlighted that beyond education and job prospects, the presence of this higher education institution will foster an environment conducive to learning. Accomplished scientists possessing expertise will play a dual role of guiding young individuals while also introducing progressive farming technologies to local farmers through extension services, thus, underscoring its multifaceted advantages.
Recognizing the financial constraints faced by the State, Laxman Savadi asserted his intention to refrain from presenting unreasonable requests to the Chief Minister and Deputy Chief Minister.
His focus lay in advocating for the authorization and timely conclusion of irrigation initiatives within Athani taluk and its neighboring regions. Emphasizing the necessity, he urged for the approval of a new irrigation project specifically aimed at addressing challenges prevalent in the eastern segment of Athani taluk. The complexities encompassing complete rehabilitation and resettlement of certain villages, along with the issue of waterlogging in specific areas, also stood as significant points necessitating attention, according to Mr. Savadi.
Requesting the allocation of funds, Laxman Savadi urged the State government to provide ₹20 crore for the initiation of the government agriculture college, citing that a substantial expanse of 100 acres has already been procured for this purpose. He further proposed the gradual allocation of supplementary funds over the course of the following three years, ensuring the continuity of the college within a new facility.
Another financial appeal made by Mr. Savadi was for the allocation of an estimated ₹30 crore to ₹40 crore, intended for the execution of the Basaveshwara Lift Irrigation Project in Kagwad.
Drawing attention to an initiative undertaken by the Maharashtra government, he mentioned their decision to incorporate raisins in mid-day meals and nutrition provisions for women and toddlers in Anganwadis. Expressing hope that a similar step might be taken by the Karnataka government, he highlighted the substantial advantages this move could provide for grape cultivators across the State.
Furthermore, he appealed to the State government to put forth a proposal to the Centre, urging the establishment of a minimum support price for horticultural produce, including grapes.
In a related plea, Member of Legislative Assembly Raju Kage called upon the State government to designate certain taluks as drought-stricken and initiate corresponding relief measures.
Shedding light on the government’s stance, Minister for Animal Husbandry and Sericulture K. Venkatesh affirmed their dedication to safeguarding the interests of livestock farmers across the State. He underscored the notable significance of Belagavi in this context, highlighting that it houses more than 29 lakh, nearly 26%, of the State’s total cattle population of 1.12 crore. Additionally, he pointed out that the district holds the distinction of being the State’s most prolific milk-producing region.
Addressing another vital topic, Public Works Minister Satish Jarkiholi emphasized the importance of implementing the water-sharing agreement with Maharashtra. He pressed for the execution of this agreement, allowing the sharing of four tmcft of water during both lean and monsoon seasons.
In line with developmental demands, Minister Jarkiholi also advocated for the endorsement and completion of lift irrigation projects in Chikkodi, Yaragatti, and other locales within the district.
