A DEPARTMENT CATCHING DUST;

This is the pathetic history of a states only horticulture training centre which existed at Madapur, 19 KMs from here.

It was an upto date training centre for horticulticulturists. Many experiments were done in this centre by experts, all in vain. The government for no reason shifted the training centre to Mandya in a hurry couple of years ago. The centre here was converted into an office and the area was used for producing different seedlings.

Today the fifty odd acre area is deserted with unattended orchard. The people in this area complain that the fruits being produced here is being sold by the officials and staff unofficially. The office here is neglected by higher ups. It remains locked most of the time, even during working days and hours. Thousands worth materials belonging to the department is thrown in open amidst the bush. The staff allegedly draw salary sitting inside their houses.

Three years ago, the then district incharge minister Jayachandra witnessed the pathetic condition of the department and suspended a staff drawing salary, sitting at Mysore.

However, the situation has not changed yet. The present district incharge minister Ramachandra Gowda is yet to visit the department.

The horticulturists complain that the government is ignoring the interest of the district and horticulture community. They have urged to improve the department.

MUTHANNA AS CPA CHAIRMAN;

Planter B.G.Muthanna of odur estate has become the chairman of Codagu Planters Association.

The election was conducted yesterday. J.S.Wilson of BBTC estate, Sidapur has been elected as the vice president. Udaya Kumar, D.T.Jayaram, Bhavani Shankar, Palaniappan, P.Apana Subbaiah were elected as directors.K.C.Rammurthy, Dulip Nanjappa B.P.Ganapathy and B.B.Chengappa were elected from Small grower’s side as directors.

RAINFALL RE ENTERS;

The skies of Kodagu are covered with black clouds since yesterday. Agriculturists who had readied their fields for ploughing went happy as heavy rainfall was reported from all over Kodagu.

The officials are once again gearing up to face the rain hazard. The district administration hwas instructed to take precautionary measures to avoid any untoward incident.

The district so far has received 28.39 inches of rainfall, while it was 24.46 inches last year.