Mandya Deputy Commissioner Dr. Kumar on December 8 held a meeting to improve farming and administrative tasks in the district. He asked officials in the Agriculture Department to promote mixed cropping and alternative crops to increase soil fertility and crop yields. "Mixed cropping and alternative crops or crop rotation should be emphasised as it helps improve soil fertility," he said. The DC noted that many farmers still use old farming methods that lower soil quality. He urged more awareness on horticulture crop cultivation. Dr. Kumar highlighted errors in the recent crop survey data and ordered officials to fix these mistakes. He warned that staff who submitted wrong survey information would face action. He also directed officials to stop middlemen from setting random crop cutting rates for paddy and ragi. "Arbitrary rate fixation causes inconvenience to farmers," said Dr. Kumar. Meetings must be held to set fair harvesting rates. Anyone charging more than fixed rates for mechanised harvesters will be penalised. On public health matters, the DC chaired the district committee on birth and death registrations. He warned strict legal action against those issuing fake certificates. Gram panchayat secretaries are now authorised to register births and deaths. If certificates are not received within 30 days, people should approach the tahsildar. Delays beyond one year require court orders. Dr. Kumar stressed low public awareness of certification rules in rural areas and urged local officials to educate citizens on the importance of timely birth and death certificates. He also criticised hospitals for delays in issuing birth certificates. "The births of 30 children over one year in the district were yet to be registered," he cautioned. Anganwadi and ASHA workers have been asked to raise public awareness to ensure certificates are obtained within 30 days. Senior district officials including District Health Officer Dr. K. Mohan, Agriculture Joint Director Ashok, and Horticulture Joint Director Roopashree attended the meeting.