UMBAI, 21 Jan (Commoditiescontrol): The Karnataka government has announced a significant increase in the minimum support price (MSP) for tur (pigeon pea), raising it by ₹450 per quintal, the Times of India reported on Monday. The revised MSP will now stand at ₹8,000 per quintal, marking the first time this rate is being offered under MSP. Additionally, the state has allocated ₹140 crore to facilitate the purchase of tur at the new MSP rate, the report added.
The announcement was made by Minister for Sugar, APMC, and Textiles, Shivanand Patil, on Monday following a meeting with members of the Karnataka Rajya Raitha Sangha and Hasiru Sene. After consulting Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, the minister confirmed the decision and emphasized the government's commitment to addressing farmers' demands.
"Tur is cultivated extensively from Bidar to Chitradurga, and farmers had requested a hike in MSP. The government has responded positively," Patil stated. He assured farmers that the National Agricultural Cooperative Marketing Federation of India (NAFED) is the designated purchasing agency, and 400 procurement centers have been established across the state to ensure smooth procurement. While delays in document submissions have postponed the procurement process, Patil urged farmers not to worry as measures are being taken to address the issue.
Patil also highlighted concerns about hybrid jowar from Andhra Pradesh being sold at Karnataka’s MSP procurement centers. To curb this issue, the government has set distinct MSPs: ₹3,370 per quintal for hybrid jowar and ₹3,400 for Maladandi jowar. The state plans to procure up to five lakh quintals of jowar this season.
This move is expected to benefit a large number of farmers across Karnataka and provide financial relief, particularly in regions where tur cultivation is a primary agricultural activity. By increasing the MSP and streamlining procurement, the government aims to bolster farmer incomes and ensure fair prices for their produce.
