Karnataka CM Seeks Urgent Intervention from PM to Save Farmers from Pulse Price Crisis
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Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, appealing for immediate intervention to address the crisis facing farmers in several districts due to declining pulse prices. In a letter dated December 8, Siddaramaiah warned that further delay in pulse procurement could exacerbate losses and erode farmers' trust in the Minimum Support Price (MSP) system. The Karnataka government has submitted a proposal to the Centre for immediate approval of pulse procurement under MSP through NAFED and NCCF. However, with the new crop approaching the market, the state is still waiting for a response from the Centre. Siddaramaiah argued that withholding approval would destabilize the market and risk sparking protests, potentially leading to a fall in prices and a loss of confidence in the MSP system. The state expects a record 1.260 million metric tonnes of sorghum from 1.68 million hectares this Kharif season. The crop, a primary source of income for many farmers, is currently trading at ₹5,830 to ₹6,700 per quintal, while the Centre has set the MSP at ₹8,000, creating a significant gap. Siddaramaiah urged the Prime Minister to ensure that central agencies begin purchasing pulses immediately to prevent significant income loss and maintain farmers' confidence in the MSP system. The chief minister framed the issue as a moral test of the Centre's commitment to the farming community, emphasizing that Karnataka has played a critical role in the country's food production. He expected an immediate and decisive response from the Centre for the broader interests of farmers, federal cooperation, and national food security.
