Providing market for agricultural products, driving the work of increasing economic power of farmers. Distribution of share certificates to members of Raitha Shakti Farmer Producer Organization of Kunsi.

The significance of the Tunga Lift Irrigation Project

In the Shivamogga rural constituency, which includes Shivamogga and Bhadravati taluks, much of the land is lush and green thanks to the Tunga and Bhadra reservoirs. However, during the summer, regions within the semi-malnad area still faced water shortages, affecting plantation crops and villages. To address this, two lift irrigation projects were initiated for the benefit of the constituency's people. The Tunga Lift Irrigation Project, originally envisioned during former CM Bangarappa's tenure to provide water to drought-prone areas, had been neglected for decades. The project was thought to be unfeasible due to the presence of the Shettihalli Wildlife Sanctuary. As the Zilla Panchayat president, I worked with experts to revise the project by adjusting the route, ensuring that water could still reach the people. After becoming an MLA, I continued the fight, putting pressure on the government and finally implementing the project at a cost of ₹8.70 crore. Through this Tunga Lift Irrigation Project, water from the Tunga was directed to 40 lakes, including Puradalu, Gowdanakere, Hayyihole, and Barahalli. This initiative greened approximately 7,300 acres of land.

Implemented the Holalur Lift Irrigation Project through persistent efforts

The Holalur-Budikere Lift Irrigation Project was designed to supply water to 422 hectares of farmland in villages such as Haramaghatta, Sominakoppa, Aladahalli, Suttukote, Bannikere, and Kommanalu in Holalur hobli of Shivamogga taluk, with the aim of increasing groundwater levels. However, the project stalled due to the negligence of minor irrigation department officials and the failures of contractors. In response, a march was organized with thousands of farmers from the Budikere village lake to the District Collector's office. Bengaluru-based company R.N.A Engineers Ltd. had been awarded the tender for this lift irrigation project, and per regulations, the work was supposed to be completed in 2010. The contractor had also taken an additional ₹1.25 crore on top of the initial project cost of ₹7.06 crore. When the project remained incomplete in 2016, I led a protest to ensure that the farmers received the promised benefits. Subsequently, the government investigated the matter and implemented a revised plan.