Opposition BRS legislators protested near the Telangana Assembly demanding the Minimum Support Price (MSP) for maize farmers in the state. Holding maize cobs, the legislators gathered at Telangana Martyrs’ Memorial Gun Park before marching to the Assembly. Led by BRS deputy leader T. Harish Rao, they urged the government to open procurement centers for maize and ensure MSP payments.
The legislators also called for a Rs. 500 bonus for maize farmers. Harish Rao highlighted that farmers, based on government assurances, cultivated maize across 8 lakh acres under a crop diversification initiative. Despite the harvest reaching the market two weeks ago, procurement centers are yet to be opened by the state government, forcing farmers to sell maize at lower prices to middlemen.
The BRS legislators criticized the government for the delay in implementing the crop insurance scheme promised in the budget. They demanded immediate action to assess crop damage due to recent rains and provide input subsidies to affected farmers. Tension arose at the Assembly entrance when security staff prevented legislators from bringing maize cobs inside, leading to a confrontation.
The legislators questioned the government’s stance on supporting farmers and accused the authorities of anti-farmer behavior. Despite facing resistance, the BRS members eventually entered the legislature, condemning the police and government attitude. The protest highlighted the challenges faced by maize farmers in Telangana, emphasizing the need for timely support and MSP payments.
