Bengaluru, Dec 30: The state government has planned to implement much ambitious Israel Model Integrated Farming Campaign in 10,000 hectares of land across the state, for which, it has earmarked Rs 300 crore.

It was decided to implement the plan in 5,000 hectare of agricultural land and 5,000 hectares of horticultural land and a high level committee was constituted under the leadership of the Additional Chief Secretary and the Development Commissioner to implement the programme. It was decided to develop Israel model agriculture technical hubs in Kolar, Chitradurga, Koppa, Gadag, Karwar, Tumkur, Yadagiri and Dharwad districts on pilot basis. Based on the results, the recommendations of the Committee would be implemented in other parts of the state in phased manner.

Sources said that the government has decided to implement micro irrigation system in Tumkur, Yadagiri, Koppal, and Haveri districts. The Israel model agriculture system was mentioned in the Budget and it is said that this method would beat the water problem. It was advised to take up precise farming, conservation farming, automation in farming, reuse of water, community farming and other methods.

It was decided to implement Israel model irrigation system in 5,000 hectares of land in Karwar, Tumkur, Yadagiri and Haveri districts at a cost of Rs 150 crore. In the same way, the same method would be implemented in another 5,000 hectares of land in Kolar, Chitradurga, Koppal, Gadag district at a cost of Rs 150 crore, sources said.

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Report: Thufail Muhammad Abudhabi

Dubai: The funeral of four young brothers who died in a tragic road accident near Abu Dhabi drew hundreds of mourners to the Al Qusais cemetery on Tuesday evening, leaving the UAE’s expatriate community in deep shock and grief.

The children Ashaj (14), Ammar (12), Azaam (8) and Ayyash (5) were the sons of Abdul Latheef and Ruksana, natives of Kerala’s Malappuram district. The family was returning to their Dubai residence after attending the Liwa Festival on the outskirts of Abu Dhabi when their car met with a fatal accident early Sunday morning.

Three of the children died on the spot, while Azaam succumbed to his injuries on Monday evening during treatment. The family’s domestic helper, Bushra Fayaz (49), also lost her life in the crash. Her body was repatriated to India on Monday night, and funeral rites were held in Kerala on Tuesday.

Abdul Latheef, who sustained injuries in the accident, arrived at the cemetery from Abu Dhabi in a wheelchair, his hand in a sling, to attend the burial of his sons. Mourners described the scene as one of the most heartbreaking they had ever witnessed.

“I have never seen the mass burial of children from the same family. It was devastating for everyone present,” said a social worker who assisted the family.

The couple’s only daughter, Izza (10), survived the accident with minor injuries and is undergoing treatment. Unaware of the loss of her brothers, she was seen playing on a mobile phone from her hospital bed.

Relatives said informing the parents about the tragedy was handled with extreme care. Abdul Latheef was told late on Sunday night, while Ruksana who had undergone surgery for an injury to her hand was informed only on Tuesday after counsellors were brought in to break the news professionally.

Before the burial, the parents were allowed to see their children one last time. Ruksana was taken by ambulance to the mortuary, while Abdul Latheef obtained special permission for temporary discharge from hospital to attend the funeral. Ruksana remained hospitalised with her daughter.
Though the family holds Ras Al Khaimah visas, special permission was obtained to conduct the burial in Dubai, where the family resides and where most relatives are based. Community members expressed gratitude to the Dubai authorities for facilitating the process.

Abdul Latheef runs a business in Ras Al Khaimah, while Ruksana works as a property consultant in Dubai. All five children were students of Arab Unity School in Dubai, following the British curriculum. The school management issued a circular to parents outlining measures to support students and families affected by the tragedy and advising on how to discuss the loss sensitively with children.

The cause of the accident has not yet been officially confirmed by Abu Dhabi Police. Public discussions have pointed to possible factors such as dense winter fog and overspeeding, though authorities are yet to release findings.