MANGALURU: Karnataka could have its first fertiliser plant in the cooperative sector on a PPP mode, union minister for chemicals and fertiliser DV Sadananda Gowda said here on Saturday. Karnataka State Cooperative Marketing Federation (KSCMF) had evinced interest to invest in the Rs 6000 crore project along with other partners. The Union government would chip in with its share of this ambitious project at an appropriate time, added the minister.Felicitating SCDCC Bank chief M N Rajendra Kumar on completion of 25 years as president of the bank and bi-decennial celebration of Navodaya SHGs formed by the Bank, Gowda said his ministry was occupied with rejuvenating five almost defunct fertiliser plants across India at an estimated cost of Rs 16,000 crore. "We welcome interest of the federation headed by Kumar in the project and the ministry will facilitate with necessary clearances," he said.Noting that an expert committee constituted by the ministry has zeroed in Davanagere for the proposed fertiliser plant, Gowda said this had been based on availability of rail, water and gas connectivity. "I request the state government to facilitate land acquisition for the project so that the entire fertiliser needs of Karnataka can be met out of this plant," he said adding once land was assured, other processes included signing of the MoU could be taken up.At a time when waiver of agriculture loan is a hotly debated subject, Gowda said need of the hour was for governments to ensure that farmers lead an honourable life post loan waiver and did not fall into debt trap once again. "Political parties often come up with short term solution such as loan waiver to agrarian crisis while their 'Raja Dharma' should be to provide long term permanent solutions which make farmers self-sufficient," he said.The mammoth turnout for the felicitation function is a testimony to the service that Kumar has given to the field of cooperation through the SCDCC Bank and Navodaya SHGs, Gowda said adding it was such felicitation that underlined the true worth of an individual. "Politicians often receive felicitations on their win and are never found afterwards. But in recognising Kumar for his 25-year of service, you have honoured the field of cooperation,” he said.

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