Farmers urge Minister KH Muniyappa to procure jowar under MSP scheme

A delegation of farmers from Raichur district, led by MLC Basavangouda Badarli, met Karnataka Food and Civil Supplies Minister KH Muniyappa at the Food Bhavan in Bengaluru and appealed to the government to procure jowar cultivated by registered farmers under the Minimum Support Price (MSP) scheme.

During the meeting, the farmers pointed out that jowar is a key crop cultivated extensively during both the monsoon (kharif) and post-monsoon (rabi) seasons in large parts of North Karnataka. They explained that due to favorable climatic conditions and local consumption patterns, farmers have increasingly shifted to jowar cultivation in recent years. However, without assured procurement and pricing support from the government, they are facing uncertainty and potential financial loss.

The delegation emphasized that purchasing jowar under the MSP scheme would bring much-needed relief to the farming community and encourage continued cultivation of the nutritious cereal. They urged the minister to ensure timely procurement and prevent market price crashes, especially for farmers who have already registered under the MSP system.

Responding to their concerns, Minister Muniyappa acknowledged that the central government’s procurement quota under the MSP scheme had already been exceeded. However, he assured the farmers that the state government is aware of their plight and is actively considering measures to address the situation. He stated that a decision regarding the procurement of surplus jowar from registered farmers would be taken in the upcoming meeting of the cabinet sub-committee.

The meeting was attended by several farmer leaders from Raichur along with department officials, who echoed the demand for expanded procurement support for jowar.