The Bharatiya Krishik Samaj (BKS) submitted a memorandum to the Karnataka state government on Monday, urging immediate measures to ensure the timely and adequate supply of seeds and fertilisers in view of the early onset of the monsoon. The organisation also demanded the withdrawal of the existing fertiliser distribution system based on farmer IDs with imposed limits and called for unrestricted supply to meet farmers’ actual requirements.
Farmers' March and Submission of Demands
Farmers associated with the BKS marched from Channamma Circle to the Deputy Commissioner’s office, raising slogans and demanding that both the state and central governments protect farmers’ interests. BKS President Siddgouda Modagi submitted the memorandum outlining the farmers' demands.
Early Monsoon Prediction
The memorandum noted that the India Meteorological Department has predicted an early monsoon, likely to arrive about 15 days ahead of schedule. In this context, it stressed the need to ensure that farmers have uninterrupted access to quality seeds, fertilisers, pesticides, equipment, and other essential inputs. It also called for precautionary measures to prevent damage to farmers’ property due to natural calamities such as heavy rain and drought.
Key Demands
- Scrapping of Farmer ID-Based Restrictions: The BKS urged the government to scrap restrictions on fertiliser supply linked to farmer IDs during the monsoon season and instead provide fertilisers based on actual demand.
- MSP Revision: It demanded that minimum support prices (MSP) for agricultural produce be revised in line with inflation.
- Subsidised Diesel: The organisation called for diesel to be made available at subsidised rates for farm activities.
- Increased Funding for Irrigation: It sought increased funding for irrigated lands in Hukkeri taluk under the Savalu Javalu scheme.
- Crop Insurance Review: Pointing out that more than 4,000 crop insurance applications were rejected during the 2024–25 period, the BKS demanded that these be reviewed and compensation disbursed within a stipulated timeframe.
- Grievance Redressal Committee: The memorandum called for the formation of a Prime Minister Fasal Bima Yojana District Relief Grievance Redressal Committee.
- Quality Testing Team: It urged the government to set up a quality testing team to curb the sale of substandard and counterfeit seeds, fertilisers, pesticides, medicines, and agricultural equipment.
The BKS emphasised that these measures are critical to safeguarding farmers' interests and ensuring a successful monsoon season.
