Belagavi: Union Minister for Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution Pralhad Joshi said in Hubballi on Sunday that the Central government cannot be blamed for the drop in maize prices or the delay in procurement under market intervention. He said it is the State government that has failed to carry out its responsibilities, reports The Hindu.
According to him, the State government has neglected the interests of farmers and the poor because it is preoccupied with internal political disputes. He said the ongoing in-fighting among Congress leaders has pushed aside the needs of maize farmers, worsening their situation as the State government remains inactive.
Mr. Joshi said the Union government has fulfilled all its duties by announcing farmer-friendly measures for sugarcane and maize cultivation, procurement and utilisation. He said allegations that the Centre’s policies on exports, imports, Fair and Remunerative Prices or industrial usage have caused the decline in maize prices or non-remunerative sugarcane prices are untrue. He added that the Centre has extended full support to sugar factories, sugarcane growers and maize farmers, and it is the State government’s responsibility to implement these measures. He noted that the Centre has permitted ethanol production and announced favourable prices for both sugarcane and ethanol, along with a good procurement price for maize. He also pointed out that maize serves as a staple food in certain States.
The Minister said the Centre has allowed States to procure maize. He said the State government must ensure maize procurement at this rate for ethanol production, but it has not taken any steps. Since distilleries fall under the control of the State Excise Department, he said proper monitoring is essential. He added that the State government cannot blame the Centre for all issues.
Mr. Joshi also noted that the Chief Minister has assured that procurement will be carried out, but said the commitment must be effectively implemented on the ground to benefit farmers. “We will have to wait and watch,” he said.
