MGNREGA losing its importance among rural population

 Lack of knowledge to avail the benefits and get wages on time decreasing the popularity of MGNREGA, say workers. The unemployed people in rural India got some relief due to the jobs generated under MGNREGA scheme at the time of pandemic. Although the scheme  generated work for the  unemployed unskilled laborers, it was not however […]

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Farmers movement helps withdraw industrial corridor project

Farmers in Byadgi use democratic tools like protests, written request letters, peaceful agitations and slogans to help withdraw a project affecting more than 800 farmers. More than 800 farmers and their families in Byadgi in November 2022 woke up to an announcement stating their farmlands are going to be acquired by the government. Up to […]

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Despite multiple schemes, farmers are seen not heard

The farmers in Kushtagi face many issues due to government negligence. The farmers are either not aware of the government schemes or are not helped by the government. Farmers in Kushtagi struggle to get compensation for crop damage, often leading them to rely on banks or quit farming altogether for other meagre jobs. Moreover, farmer […]

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Overreliance on fertilizers takes a toll on Kushtagi farmers and soil health

Increased fertilizer use in Kushtagi is leading to health problems in farmers with soil degradation and plant diseases. Rajappa, clad in a pristine white dhoti, vest, and a head cloth is spraying a small segment of plants with a pungent-smelling spray from a large yellow spray can. The air is thick with an acrid smell […]

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Modern farming technology affects the Kammars of Kushtagi

Traditional farming tools have been replaced by modern farming tools. The blacksmiths of Kushtagi, who work in the scorching heat with no formal financial assistance to make agricultural tools and kitchen accessories (mainly), are struggling to make the ends meet as there are hardly any buyers of the tools that they make.  It is 7:15 […]

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An untold story of Parasapur quarries

Parasapur is a village near Shirahatti Taluk with 1443 residents. The village has witnessed frequent quarry blasting for sandstone for five years. The number of blasts has increased recently. Quarry blasting for M Sand, a form of artificial sand, manufactured by crushing large rock stones has led to dust pollution. As a result, farmers’ agriculture […]

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Climate change impacts agriculture in Karnataka

From mangoes to tur dal, cropping patterns have changed. Karnataka State Disaster Management Authority (KSDMA) 2021 data shows due to extreme events Rs 6,207 crore crop loss was estimated. Avinash TGS, a farmer from Mysuru who has been growing various crops like mangoes and pulses said, “There has been a change in cropping season. Due […]

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Reeling under losses, farmers demand fixed prices at APMCs

Say contractors stall payment for months. By, Yukta Mudgal Farmers in Karnataka incur heavy losses as their produce is not bought for fixed prices at Agricultural Produce Market Committees (APMCs). Farmers complain there is no fixed price in the APMCs due to which contractors buy their produce at lower rates, leaving them at a loss. […]

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