Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has reached out to Prime Minister Narendra Modi regarding the critical situation faced by Bengal gram farmers in the state. Despite a Minimum Support Price (MSP) of Rs 5,875 per quintal, market prices have plummeted below MSP levels, leading to distress sales among farmers. Siddaramaiah emphasized the urgent need for the Centre’s intervention to initiate procurement under the Price Support Scheme (PSS) to safeguard farmers’ incomes and stabilize the market.
The letter addressed to PM Modi highlighted the dire circumstances of Bengal gram growers in Karnataka during the current Rabi Marketing season. Bengal gram, a vital pulse crop in Karnataka, is cultivated extensively across various regions in the state, serving as a primary income source for numerous small and marginal farmers. The prevailing market conditions, with prices significantly lower than the MSP, pose a serious threat to farmers’ livelihoods, especially with the looming peak harvest season between January and March.
Siddaramaiah’s communication underscored the distressing market situation in Karnataka, where despite the MSP announcement, actual market prices remain below the stipulated levels. This discrepancy not only impacts farmers’ economic well-being but also undermines their trust in the support systems designed to assist them during such crises. The Chief Minister’s urgent plea for intervention aims to prevent further price collapses and alleviate the mounting rural distress faced by Bengal gram farmers in the state.
The letter, also forwarded to Union Minister of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Shivraj Singh Chouhan, emphasizes the critical need for immediate action to address the challenges confronting Bengal gram farmers in Karnataka.
