BRS MLCs Conduct Unique Protest Adorning Chilli Garlands in Telangana
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Synopsis
On March 17, members of the BRS in Telangana staged a creative protest wearing chilli garlands to demand a minimum support price for chillies. They called for immediate government action to support local farmers facing severe economic challenges.
Key Takeaways
- Members of BRS protested wearing chilli garlands.
- They demanded an MSP of Rs 25,000 for chillies.
- Farmers are suffering from significant price drops.
- Call for a separate board for chillies.
- Emphasis on the need for government support for farmers.
Hyderabad, March 17 (NationPress) In a unique demonstration, members of the Telangana Legislative Council from the opposition Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) donned chilli garlands on Monday.
BRS MLCs K. Kavitha, S. Madhusudhana Chary, Mehmood Ali, Satyavati Rathod, and others conducted the protest within the Council premises to advocate for a minimum support price (MSP) for chillies.
Sporting garlands of chillies, brandishing placards, and chanting slogans, the MLCs insisted on establishing an MSP of Rs 25,000 per quintal for chillies while addressing the challenges faced by chilli farmers.
The MLCs urged the state government to pressure the Centre for the immediate procurement of chillies by the National Agricultural Cooperative Marketing Federation (NAFED) and Marketing Federation (MARKFED) at the proposed Rs 25,000 MSP.
According to the opposition party, the area under chilli cultivation in the state has plummeted from 4 lakh acres last season to merely 2.40 lakh acres this season.
Former speaker Madhusudhana Chary informed journalists that Telangana farmers invest heavily in chilli cultivation.
He noted that last year, farmers received Rs 25,000 for their chillies, but this year, prices have fallen to between Rs 10,000 and Rs 12,000.
Farmers who invested thousands are struggling to recoup their costs and are disheartened over their losses, leading some to set their crops on fire.
He also highlighted that the Congress party had promised an MSP of Rs 16,000 for chillies in their election manifesto and insisted that the government should fulfill this promise while ensuring farmers receive Rs 25,000.
The BRS called for the establishment of a separate board for chillies with legal recognition.
They pointed out that chillies are currently classified under the Spices Board and demanded that they be classified as a food crop.
Additionally, the BRS MLCs urged the government to facilitate the export of chillies from Telangana.
The BRS members remarked that both the Central and state governments have set the MSP for turmeric at Rs 15,000 per quintal, highlighting that turmeric farmers are also facing difficulties due to lack of fair prices for their produce.
