Daijiworld Media Network

Bengaluru, March 11: Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, urging the urgent implementation of the price deficiency payment (PDP) scheme under the market intervention scheme (MIS) for red chillies in the state. He requested that the red chilli farmers of Karnataka receive the same level of support as their counterparts in Andhra Pradesh.

In his letter, Siddaramaiah expressed deep concern for the red chilli farmers, particularly in the Kalyana Karnataka region, one of the most backward and drought-prone areas in the country.

He stated, “The Kalyana Karnataka region is home to thousands of small and marginal farmers dependent on red chilli cultivation. The continued neglect of their plight will only deepen the economic distress and push many farmers into a debt crisis.”

Siddaramaiah further stressed, “I write to you with deep concern for the lakhs of red chilli farmers in Karnataka, particularly in the Kalyana Karnataka region, who are facing an unprecedented crisis due to the drastic fall in prices.”

The government of India has already approved the PDP scheme under the MIS for red chillies (Guntur variety) at Rs 11,781 per quintal, with coverage for up to 25% of production. However, despite this, the distress faced by Karnataka’s red chilli farmers remains largely unaddressed, said Siddaramaiah.

The Karnataka Agricultural Price Commission has assessed the cost of production for Guntur variety of red chillies (rain-fed) at Rs 12,675 per quintal. However, farmers are forced to sell their produce at much lower prices, as low as Rs 8,300 per quintal in markets such as Sindhanur. This disparity results in significant financial losses and threatens their livelihood, according to the CM.

Siddaramaiah called on the Union Government to bear the full amount of the Price Deficiency Payment in order to ensure fair compensation for the farmers. He stated, “The red chilli farmers of Karnataka deserve the same level of support that their counterparts in Andhra Pradesh are receiving. A fair and just intervention by the Union Government at this crucial moment will not only provide immediate relief but will also reaffirm the Centre’s commitment to the welfare of farmers across the country, irrespective of the state they belong to.”

The Chief Minister also requested PM Modi to increase the Minimum Import Price (MIP) to Rs 13,500 per quintal from the current MIP of Rs 11,781. He urged that the coverage be expanded to at least 75% of production to provide meaningful relief to the farmers.

In conclusion, Siddaramaiah appealed to the Prime Minister to prioritise this request, stating, “I hope that you will give this request the utmost priority and take necessary steps to extend and strengthen the Price Deficiency Payment Scheme under MIS for Karnataka’s farmers. I look forward to your urgent response and positive action in this regard.”