Karnataka Chief Minister Appeals to Prime Minister for Bengal Gram Procurement
Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has made an urgent appeal to Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He wants immediate approval for the procurement of Bengal gram under the Price Support Scheme. Siddaramaiah cites severe distress among farmers as market prices remain far below the Minimum Support Price.
Farmers Face Livelihood Crisis in Rabi Season
In a letter dated January 14, released on Thursday, Siddaramaiah highlighted the critical situation. He stated that lakhs of Bengal gram growers in Karnataka are confronting a livelihood crisis during the ongoing rabi season. Bengal gram stands as one of the state's principal pulse crops.
This crop is cultivated over 9.2 lakh hectares. The estimated output reaches 6.2 lakh tonnes. Farmers in numerous districts depend on it for their income. These districts include Dharwad, Gadag, Belagavi, Vijayapura, Kalaburagi, Yadgir, Bidar, Raichur, Koppal, Ballari, Chitradurga, Bagalkot, Davanagere and Chikkamagaluru.
Market Prices Plummet Below MSP
The Centre fixed an MSP of Rs 5,875 per quintal for the rabi season 2026–27. However, Siddaramaiah reported that prices in Karnataka have dropped significantly. They now range between Rs 4,260 and Rs 5,813 per quintal.
In several APMC markets, farmers face a harsh reality. They are forced to sell their produce at Rs 800 to Rs 1,200 below the MSP. This situation occurs even before peak arrivals hit the markets.
"This price erosion is not merely a market aberration; it is a human crisis," Siddaramaiah wrote in his letter. "When the declared MSP does not translate into real procurement on the ground, it erodes farmers' faith in the institutional framework meant to protect them."
Warning of Further Price Collapse
With arrivals set to intensify between January and March, the Chief Minister issued a stark warning. He anticipates a further price collapse and worsening rural distress if no action is taken. Siddaramaiah urged immediate intervention from the central government.
He called on the Centre to clear procurement under the Price Support Scheme. He also requested the activation of central agencies to handle the procurement process.
"I urge the Govt of India to immediately accord approval for procurement of Bengal gram under the price support scheme," Siddaramaiah stated. "Direct central nodal agencies such as NAFED and NCCF to operationalise procurement centres in Karnataka without delay."
State Government Ready to Cooperate Fully
Siddaramaiah assured full cooperation from the Karnataka state government. He mentioned that Karnataka has completed all formalities under the PSS guidelines. The state stands ready to facilitate various aspects of the procurement process.
This includes farmer registration, warehousing, transportation and exemption of state levies. The Chief Minister emphasized the broader significance of MSP procurement.
"Procurement at MSP is not merely an administrative exercise; it is an affirmation of the nation's commitment to the dignity of its farmers," he asserted. Siddaramaiah urged early approval to prevent distress sales, stabilize markets and protect the credibility of the MSP regime.
