Overview On December 8, 2025 , the Deputy Commissioner of Mandya, Dr. Kumar , convened meetings to address key issues in agriculture and civil registration. The focus was on promoting sustainable agricultural practices, ensuring accurate data collection, and streamlining the birth and death registration process. Key Developments in Agriculture Dr. Kumar emphasized the need to move away from traditional agricultural practices that deplete soil fertility. He advocated for: Mixed Cropping: Growing multiple crops together to enhance soil health and increase yields. Crop Rotation: Systematically changing the crops planted to improve soil fertility and reduce pest infestations. Horticulture: Encouraging farmers to cultivate horticulture crops for better economic returns. He also addressed issues related to crop surveys and harvesting rates: Data Rectification: Instructed officials to correct errors in crop survey data and take action against those responsible for faulty submissions. Harvesting Rates: Directed officials to fix appropriate harvesting rates for paddy and ragi to prevent exploitation by middlemen. Action should be taken against owners of mechanised harvesters who overcharge. Civil Registration and Awareness The Deputy Commissioner also addressed the critical issue of birth and death registration, emphasizing the importance of accurate and timely registration. Fake Certificates: Warned of legal action against those issuing fake birth and death certificates. Registration Process: Secretaries of gram panchayats are authorized to register births and deaths. Delays beyond 30 days require approaching the tahsildar, and delays exceeding one year necessitate court intervention. Public Awareness: Urged local body officials, anganwadi and ASHA workers to create awareness about the importance of birth and death certificates within 30 days . Pending Registrations: Noted that 30 birth certificates for children over one year old were yet to be registered and cautioned against delays. UPSC Relevance This news highlights several areas relevant to the UPSC Civil Services Exam: GS3: Agriculture: Sustainable agricultural practices, data accuracy in agriculture, and fair pricing mechanisms. GS2: Governance: Role of district administration, local bodies, and civil registration processes. GS2: Social Justice: Importance of birth and death registration for social welfare and legal rights. Important Officials Present Senior officials present at the meeting included: Dr. K. Mohan: District Health and Family Welfare Officer Ashok: Joint Director of Agriculture Roopashree: Joint Director of Horticulture