Karnataka Chief Minister Urges Price Parity for Red Chilli Farmers

Karnataka's CM Siddaramaiah has appealed to India's central government to implement the Price Deficiency Payment scheme for the state's red chilli farmers, similar to Andhra Pradesh, to address their financial distress. He proposes increasing the Minimum Intervention Price and expanding coverage to safeguard farmers' livelihoods.

Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has called upon Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan to address the economic challenges faced by red chilli farmers in the state. In a letter, he urged the implementation of the Price Deficiency Payment scheme akin to the one in Andhra Pradesh.

The scheme, which sets a Minimum Intervention Price (MIP) at Rs 11,781 per quintal in Andhra Pradesh, covers only 25% of production. Siddaramaiah contends that Karnataka farmers deserve similar support, proposing the MIP be increased to Rs 13,500 and coverage be expanded to 75% of production.

The CM highlighted the plight of small and marginal farmers in the drought-prone Kalyana Karnataka region, stressing the need for urgent governmental intervention to protect their livelihoods and economic stability.

(With inputs from agencies.)