Synopsis
Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah has reached out to PM Modi, requesting immediate action on the Price Deficiency Payment Scheme under the Market Intervention Scheme for red chillies. He insists that Karnataka's farmers deserve support equivalent to that provided to their Andhra Pradesh counterparts to alleviate their economic distress.Key Takeaways
- Price Deficiency Payment Scheme is critical for farmers.
- Karnataka's red chilli farmers face severe economic distress.
- Equal support to Karnataka as provided to Andhra Pradesh is urged.
- Production costs exceed current market prices.
- Call for urgent government intervention to ensure farmer welfare.
Bengaluru, March 11 (NationPress) Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has addressed a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, urging for the swift implementation of the Price Deficiency Payment Scheme under the Market Intervention Scheme (MIS) specifically for red chillies in Karnataka.
He insisted that the red chilli farmers in Karnataka deserve the same level of assistance that their peers in Andhra Pradesh are currently receiving.
CM Siddaramaiah elaborated, “The Kalyana Karnataka region, which is among the most underdeveloped and drought-affected areas in the nation, is home to numerous small and marginal farmers reliant on red chilli farming. The ongoing disregard for their situation will only exacerbate their economic challenges and could lead many into a cycle of debt.
“Thus, it is crucial for the Union Government to extend the Price Deficiency Payment scheme under the Market Intervention Scheme to Karnataka, ensuring equal support with Andhra Pradesh.”
Siddaramaiah expressed his grave concern for the lakhs of red chilli farmers in Karnataka, particularly in the Kalyana Karnataka region, who are grappling with an unprecedented crisis due to a significant drop in prices.
The Indian government has sanctioned the PDP scheme under the MIS for Red Chillies (Guntur variety) at Rs 11,781 per quintal, covering up to 25 percent of production.
While this is a positive move, the distress faced by Karnataka’s red chilli farmers remains unaddressed, CM Siddaramaiah highlighted.
In Karnataka, the production cost for the Guntur variety of Red Chillies (rain-fed) is estimated at Rs 12,675 per quintal by the Karnataka Agricultural Price Commission.
Nevertheless, farmers are compelled to sell their crops at distress prices, with figures dropping to Rs 8,300 per quintal in markets like Sindhanur. This not only leads to significant financial losses but also jeopardizes their very existence, the CM pointed out.
“Therefore, we urge the Union Government to cover the entire amount of the Price Deficiency Payment to guarantee fair compensation for farmers. The red chilli farmers in Karnataka warrant the same level of backing as their counterparts in Andhra Pradesh. A fair and just response from the Union Government at this critical juncture will not only offer immediate relief but will also reaffirm the Centre's dedication to the well-being of farmers nationwide, regardless of their state,” CM Siddaramaiah remarked.
“I hope this request is prioritized and that necessary actions are taken to enhance and reinforce the Price Deficiency Payment Scheme under MIS for Karnataka's farmers. I anticipate your prompt response and affirmative action in this matter,” the CM concluded.
CM Siddaramaiah also urged Prime Minister Modi to raise the MIP to Rs 13,500 per quintal from the current MIP of Rs 11,781.
“Expanding coverage to at least 75 percent of production is vital for providing substantial relief,” he emphasized and insisted that the Centre should shoulder the full burden of the PDP.
