In a decisive move to quell the growing unrest among farmers in North Karnataka and address their plea to open maize procurement centres, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah convened a meeting today to ensure state intervention in arresting the plummeting prices of maize. He said that the distress faced by our farmers is deeply worrying, and it is our responsibility to respond with urgency, clarity, and compassion. A meeting will be held with major distilleries in the State to direct them to immediately procure maize for ethanol production.
The Karnataka CM stated, “The major issues raised include maize production has increased in both Karnataka and the rest of the country. Despite this, the Union Government has imported maize, placing a heavy burden on farmers nationwide. It was also pointed that the quota allotted to Karnataka for producing ethanol from maize is extremely low, resulting in reduced procurement by distilleries. Another issue raised was that the Union Ministry of Food and Public Distribution has already issued guidelines for procurement under the MSP scheme through NAFED/NCCF and for using maize in ethanol production. However, these agencies have not yet initiated procurement as per the guidelines, worsening the crisis. It has also been highlighted that distilleries had stockpiled maize earlier when prices were low, and are now unwilling to buy. This is a clear violation of norms, distilleries must resume procurement as required.”
During the meeting, the following suggestions for state government action were discussed:
-Urge the Union Government to immediately curb maize imports to stabilise prices.
-Press the concerned agencies to quickly procure 8 lakh tonnes of maize.
-Since NAFED/NCCF have still not opened procurement centres, demand that they begin procurement immediately to stabilise market prices.
He added, “The State Government will extend all possible support to maize farmers affected by the price crash. As domestic production is sufficient, we will write to the Central Government urging restrictions on maize import. A meeting will be held with major distilleries in the State to direct them to immediately procure maize for ethanol production. We will also hold discussions with the poultry industry, which has a substantial demand for maize.”
