Bagalkote: Continuous rainfall has caused a yellow disease to impact the green gram crop in Bagalkot, leading to a significant drop in prices and distress among farmers. Despite the central government announcing a minimum support price of ₹8,682 per quintal, the reality on the ground is starkly different. Farmers are forced to sell their crops at market rates, which are substantially lower than the support price.
The green gram, a vital crop in Bagalkote, Gadag, and Yadagiri, spans over 2.50 lakh hectares. This year, the yellow disease has severely affected the crop, reducing its quality and yield. Consequently, the price of green gram has plummeted, ranging between ₹2,004 and ₹8,400 per quintal, whereas the government-fixed minimum support price stands at ₹8,682 per quintal.
Farmers are particularly aggrieved as they are unable to access the support price due to closed buying centres. These centres, crucial for stabilising prices and ensuring fair trade, have not yet opened, leaving farmers with no choice but to sell their produce at market rates. Reports indicate that prices have dropped from ₹10,000 per quintal last year to ₹6,000-₹8,000 this year.
Chandrasekhara Kalannavara, a local farmer, highlights the severe impact of the situation. Despite awareness of the crop’s arrival and the issues faced by farmers, officials have yet to operationalize the support price centers. This delay has resulted in traders buying the crop at lower rates, benefiting them while disadvantaging the farmers.
The situation has prompted officials to take action. V.D. Patil, Secretary of APMC Bagalkot, has announced that a proposal will be sent to the government to establish a buying center under the Support Price Scheme. A meeting is scheduled for Friday morning to discuss the implementation of this proposal and address the farmers’ grievances.
To address the current crisis, several measures are being considered. The establishment of a buying centre is expected to help stabilise prices and provide farmers with a fair opportunity to sell their produce at the support price. Additionally, officials are exploring ways to expedite the opening of these centers and improve communication with farmers to ensure they are aware of available support.
The Public Works Department (PWD) has been urged to consider the implementation of better facilities and infrastructure to manage such situations more effectively in the future. The involvement of various stakeholders, including local government bodies and agricultural organizations, will be crucial in resolving the current issues and preventing similar crises.
The situation in Bagalkot highlights the challenges faced by farmers when adverse weather conditions and bureaucratic delays intersect. While the decrease in prices from last year’s levels is troubling, the proposed measures and upcoming meetings offer a glimmer of hope. Ensuring that support price centers are operational and accessible will be critical in addressing the current discontent and supporting the local farming community.