BENGALURU: In a balancing act, with an intent to shed the tag of a rural-focused party in power with the Congress, the H D Kumaraswamy government has prioritised agriculture and Bengaluru development of his administration.

On Monday, addressing the joint session of the 15th state legislature, governor Vajubhai Rudabhai Vala said the government intends to strengthen the “backbone” of the state, namely the farmer.

And as part of it, the governor announced: “My government desires that the farmers of Karnataka should adopt the agricultural practices on the Israeli model.” The announcement comes in the backdrop of CM Kumaraswamy having visited Israel prior to the 2018 assembly elections to study that country’s agricultural practices.

The governor announced that government officials will visit the agriculturists’ fields to advise them on cultivation based on seasonal conditions and water availability.

“We need to bring in reforms in our agricultural practices and policies. Horticultural crops need to be encouraged so as to increase the income and profits of cultivators. Modern marketing packaging and storage systems need to be adopted with a focus on export promotion,” said Vala.

In his 19 page address, which lasted less than 30 minutes, Vala did not mention anywhere with regard to the highly debated farm loan waiver proposal. Vala spoke in detail of the state government's intent to safeguard the livelihood of farmers and even urged them to not become desperate and commit suicide.

“The days of anxiety are at an end. My government desires to become the voice of the voiceless farmer. I appeal to the farming community through this august House not to resort to suicide for any reason whatsoever,” said Vala.

At the other end, for Bengaluru, Vala said the government has initiated a slew of measures including a project to improve the water distribution system by reduction of unaccounted flow of water and leakage control with financial assistance of the Japan International Co-operation Agency (JICA) and the system is expected to be functional by the end of 2022.

“My government is aware of the infrastructure gaps in Bengaluru. It is necessary to effectively implement traffic control, drinking water systems and housing programmes in Bengaluru,” he said.

Vala said the government is seeking to implement the intelligent transport system in the core parts of Bengaluru city.

The governor’s address also spoke of free wi-fi facilities, closed circuit camera, panic alarm and SOS button in mobile apps for women's’ safety in all buses.

