Farmers don't want government's paddy procurement center

H.J. Rakesh

Madikeri, Feb. 13: The paddy procurement center set up by the government with the aim of providing support prices to paddy farmers has become a problem for farmers in the district. So far, only 3 farmers have registered, and it is surprising that no one has sold their crops to the procurement center.

There were struggles to start paddy procurement in other districts. However, a situation has arisen where there is no procurement center in the district. The number of people cultivating paddy in Kodagu, which was once known as the granary of paddy, has been decreasing in recent years. Due to various reasons such as wildlife attacks including elephants, adverse weather, low profits, etc., the interest in paddy farming is declining. The scheme started with the aim of providing support prices to farmers and encouraging paddy cultivation does not seem to be fruitful in Kodagu. It is being said that farmers are hesitant to sell to the paddy procurement center as they are getting lower prices than the market price.

Veerajpete Agriculture Department premises, Somwarpete, Gonikoppa, 4th page

 Paddy purchase centers have already been opened in RMCs of Kushalnagar and Madikeri. Registration for sale was allowed from October 15 to December 31. During this period, only three farmers have registered to sell a total of 150 quintals, and so far they have not brought the crop to the center and sold it. Sale is allowed until February 28. The price of Rs. 2369 per quintal has been fixed by the government, and the purchase is being done at this price. Since traders are buying paddy by paying Rs. 2400 to 2500, farmers are not enthusiastic about selling their crop to the center set up by the government. Besides, they have to wait for a few days for the money after the sale. Besides, the farmers themselves have to transport the crop to the center. That is why if they sell to traders, they themselves go and collect the crop, which is also a reason for hesitation in selling to government centers.

Farmers losing enthusiasm

Earlier, farmers were somewhat enthusiastic about selling their paddy to the purchasing centers. There were centers in 8 parts of the district. However, now the number has come down to 5. In 2020, 583 farmers sold their crops. In 2021, 597 farmers collected a total of 24,926 quintals of paddy. As the year went by, the number of farmers started declining, and last year only 280 quintals of trade was done. However, this year, it seems that they have achieved zero earnings so far.

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