HD Kumaraswamy Blames State Govt for Stalling Mandya Industrial Project
Mandya: Union Minister for Large Industries and Steel H.D. Kumaraswamy has voiced strong frustration over the delay in securing land for a new factory in Mandya, saying the state government has not cooperated despite repeated requests.
Speaking at the agricultural fair held at V.C. Farm under the University of Agricultural Sciences, HDK said he has been urging the District Collector for over a year to identify land for an industrial unit. “People expect me, as the Minister for Large Industries, to bring development to Mandya. I am eager to set up at least one factory here, but the government still hasn’t allotted land,” he remarked.
HD Kumaraswamy also highlighted the steps taken by his ministry, including two visits to the Sir M. Visvesvaraya Iron and Steel Factory in Bhadravati as part of revival efforts.
He praised the vision of Nalwadi Krishnaraja Wodeyar, noting that V.C. Farm — now a full-fledged agricultural university — continues to shape the future of farming. Stressing the importance of mechanization, he said modern equipment could save farmers up to 50% of their expenses.
Turning to the ongoing agricultural fair, the minister said the event has successfully reached its objective of educating farmers. He noted that the Union Government has allocated ₹1.32 lakh crore for the agriculture sector, and called on the state to open maize procurement centers offering MSP. Instead, he criticized the government for shifting responsibility to animal feed producers and KMF.
HD Kumaraswamy also suggested building godowns and cold storage units in every gram panchayat, coupled with a 75% government advance to farmers, which they can repay after selling their produce — a move he said would eliminate middlemen.
In a compassionate gesture, HDK intervened after learning that the fair organizers were charging villagers for meals. Announcing on stage that food should be free for all, he personally paid the cost of providing meals for the next three days.
