Hassan, Nov 1, 2013 : The plantations crops are perished owing to souring temperatures during summer this year and excessive rains coupled with high velocity winds during monsoon season this year. The losses owing to the above mentioned causes exceed nearly Rs 6,000 crore and the state authorities had to issue cheques for compensation to the planters, urged coffee planter B M Jagannat.
Addressing the media persons during a press meet here on Thursday October 31, Jagannat said that the coffee planters planted commercial crops such as pepper and acacia trees in their coffee estates. When the crops were perished owing to natural calamities, it has to be cleared from the estate to plant new crop. However, the forest department is not allowing the planters to clear the dead trees even there is provision to permit in Karnataka Forest Rule of 1969, added Jagannat.
Jagannat alleged that the former PM H Deve Gowda who was never concerned with the planters issues, woken up from the deep slumber and eager to hold meetings with government officers to address the grievances of planters a eyewash, alleged Jagannat.
Deve Gowda seeks political mileage when the state forest minister Ramanat Rai had announced district tour beginning from November 5 till 7. It’s a time the voters had to be enlightened on their choice for forthcoming general elections.