Karnataka : Maize price drops drastically, causing distress to farmers
Maize prices in Belagavi have crashed nearly 30% in a week, falling from ₹2,400–2,500 to ₹1,700–1,800 per quintal, leaving farmers distressed. Delayed government procurement has enabled private traders to dominate the market despite the MSP of ₹2,400. With 1.4 lakh ha under maize and lower yields due to rains, farmers demand urgent intervention to stop exploitation and start MSP procurement immediately.
Belagavi: A sharp fall of nearly 30% in maize prices within a week has left farmers in Belagavi district deeply distressed. Farmers say the delay in opening govt procurement centres has allowed private buyers to dictate terms, forcing growers to sell their produce at low rates.Just a week ago, maize was selling for Rs 2,400–2,500 per quintal. Prices have now plummeted to Rs 1,700–1,800, hitting farmers at the peak of the harvesting season. In parts of North Karnataka, growers have already begun staging protests, demanding urgent govt intervention.According to agriculture department estimates, maize was sown on 1.4 lakh hectares in Belagavi district during the kharif season, and the expected output is around 5-6 lakh metric tonnes. However, prolonged rains this year have affected yields in several areas.The central govt has fixed the minimum support price (MSP) for maize at Rs 2,400 per quintal, but procurement is yet to begin. Farmers allege that the delay is enabling middlemen to push prices down and exploit growers desperate to sell.Sidagouda Modagi, president of the Bharatiya Krishik Samaj, said that the Centre must not delay starting the procurement process any further.
“Debt-ridden farmers need money immediately during the harvest. Both the Centre and the state must act swiftly to protect farmers’ interests,” he said.On Saturday, chief minister Siddaramaiah said he wrote to the Centre, urging it to open procurement centres without delay. He has also requested that maize imports be halted, noting that Karnataka alone may produce around 55 lakh metric tonnes of maize this year. Mahadeveppa Chabanur, deputy director of the Agricultural Marketing Board, said the department has not yet received any communication from either the state govt or the Centre regarding procurement.
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Source : The Times Of India
