Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru

Mangaluru, May 29: In the coastal districts, farmers struggling with cultivation are further burdened by the government's decision to increase seed prices, exacerbating their hardships. Despite the yearly increase in seed prices, the assistance provided by the government remains insufficient, failing to alleviate the challenges faced by farmers in cultivating alternative crops.

For the fiscal year 2024-25, the government has replenished stocks of three varieties of seeds at the agricultural contact centers. The prices have been fixed at Rs 1387 for 25 kg of Sahyadri Kempu (red gram), Rs 1162 for Jaya (pigeon pea), and Rs 1350 for Jyoti (greengram). These rates remain unchanged from the previous fiscal year, where MO 4 seeds were priced at Rs 1143.75, Rs 1218.75 for Jyoti, and Rs 881.25 for Jaya.

Government assistance is set at Rs 200 for general category farmers and Rs. 300 for reserved category farmers. Despite the increase in seed prices from Rs 20-25 to Rs. 45-55 per kg over the past five years, there has been no change in government assistance. This situation is exacerbating the struggles of farmers, who are already grappling with a shortage of agricultural labourers and the inability to balance production costs. The procurement of machinery and equipment through government support has also faced setbacks, as the prices of machinery continue to rise annually. This disparity has led to allegations that governments are imposing undue pressure on farmers.

The government introduced the Karavali package in 2019 after noting a decline in paddy cultivation in the Malnad region. Through this initiative, farmers were incentivized with Rs 7,000 per hectare to encourage paddy cultivation. However, subsequent governments did not continue this programme.

The rising cost of seeds available at agricultural contact centers is directly affecting farmers. There is no difference in government assistance. This situation is akin to rubbing salt on the wounds of farmers. The government should immediately reduce the price of seeds,” Manohar Shetty, state secretary, Karnataka State Farmers Association.