Justin D’Silva
Udupi, Nov 5: A huge protest rally is organized by Brahmavar Farmers’ protest committee on November 6 in order to urge the state government to declare support price for paddy.
A unanimous decision was taken to this effect in the meeting that was held at Brahmavar on November 5.
The committee members said, “It is not right on the part of the government to neglect the demands of farmers though we have alerted the government through the media. In Kerala farmers are getting Rs 2740 per quintal of paddy. However, in Karnataka we are getting only Rs 1700. Here the farmer is not allowed to fix the rate for the paddy that is grown by him. On the contrary, rice mill owner is fixing it.
“Farmer is selling the paddy he has grown for Rs 17 per kg and buying rice at Rs 32 per kg. The harvesting of paddy is over. The government should have fixed the rate before the farmers take the paddy to rice mills. But the government is oppressing the farmers by not fixing the price.
“At least Rs 2500 price needs to be fixed per quintal of paddy. Paddy buying centres have to be established at village level. Separate agricultural policy needs to be formed for coastal districts. Agricultural department and APMC have to bring farmer-friendly amendments to the rules and regulations.
“Subsidy to buy agricultural machinery should be released immediately. Rent of harvesting machines needs to be fixed. Commercial agricultural activities in the district need to be encouraged. Government should coordinate with the agricultural and cooperative banks to indulge in activities complementary to agriculture rather than only finance.
“The government has to respect the image of the farmer. It should not create a situation wherein the farmers have to repeatedly ask the government to meet their demands.”
Former president of zilla panchayat Bujanga Shetty, Barkur Shantharama Shetty, former member of taluk panchayat Bharat Shetty Giliyaru, Ravindra Aithala Kota, president of Brahmavar sugar factory Baikady Suprasad Shetty, Rameshrao Pandeshwar, Shivamoorthy Upadhyaya Manoor, Bhaskar Shetty Manoor, Jayaram Shetty Manoor, Alwyn Andrade Pandeshwar, former member of Saligrama Pattana panchayat Vinayakumar Kabyadi, Umanath Shetty Beloor, secretary of Kisan Sangha Sathyanarayana Udupa and other were present.