Mysuru:  Stating that the Andhra Pradesh (AP) model of agriculture was best suited for the State rather than the Israeli model proposed by Chief Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy, farmer leader and KRRS office-bearer Badagalapura Nagendra has maintained that the State Government was in favour of the AP model.

Addressing a press meet at Patrakarthara Bhavan here on Tuesday, Nagendra said that India does not need any foreign model for agriculture and its (India) own farming practices was one of the best in the world.

Claiming that the Israeli model advocated by CM Kumaraswamy was not suited for the State, he said that the State must follow AP’s zero budget natural farming method, which is economical.

Pointing out that AP, by           adopting the zero budget method, has reaped rich dividends with agricultural output increasing significantly,  Nagendra alleged that several Agricultural Universities are opposing this model only because they are under the influence of MNC companies, who were looking at ways to market their seeds and fertilizers.

Noting that the Andhra government has succeeded in implementing the zero budget farm practise by keeping out Agricultural Universities from the initiative, the farmer leader said  that Karnataka too should emulate the AP model.

Referring to the setting up of Cauvery Water Management Authority, he hit out at the Union Government and said that the constitution of the Board was unfair to the State.

Urging the State Government to immediately set up paddy procurement centres across the district, Nagendra warned of staging demonstration in front of the residences of the two Ministers representing the district.

KRRS office-bearers Hosur Kumar, Hoskote Basavaraj, Naganahalli Vijayendra and others were present at the press meet.