Farmers Alarmed as Paddy Prices Plummet Ahead of Harvest

With the harvest season nearing, farmers in Udupi district are deeply concerned over a sharp drop in paddy prices this year. The current rates have plummeted to just Rs 22-23 per kilogram, a significant drop from last year’s Rs 26-28. This decline, while typical during the harvest, is more severe than usual.

Local farmers, who typically sell their paddy immediately after harvest, are seeing lower returns due to this trend. They argue that rice mill owners are exploiting the situation to boost profits, offering the same low price for both wet and dry paddy, despite claims that prices increase as moisture content decreases.

Kota Shivarmurthy Upadhya, a local farmer, voiced his frustration, noting that mills in Udupi and Mangaluru prefer to source cheaper paddy from other districts, leaving local farmers at a disadvantage.

Farmer groups are now pushing for government intervention, demanding a meeting with mill owners to ensure fair pricing. Jayaram Shetty Manoor, president of the Raithadhwani organization, warned that protests are likely if the issue persists, urging farmers to hold out for better prices.

District officials have yet to receive formal complaints but promise an inquiry if necessary. A meeting is expected between the agricultural department and mill owners to address the farmers’ grievances.

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