the Karnataka government has decided to sell water for agricultural use through cooperatives. The move is being seen as a measure to facilitate optimum use of water resources and is also a step towards cutting subsidies to the agricultural sector. Irrigation minister K N Nage Gowda said that a legislation to form water-users cooperative societies is expected to be introduced in the next session of the Legislature. Chief minister J H Patel justified the formation of cooperatives saying, "We have spoilt farmers with free water and free electricity."
Patel said Karnataka would be emulating Maharashtra where water is sold by the state government to the farmers' collectives.
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