Karnataka Increases Maize Procurement Cap Amid Farmer Protests

The Karnataka government has raised the maize procurement limit per farmer to 50 quintals under the support price scheme, following farmer protests. Procurement is based on land records and prioritized through PACS near distilleries, with the price fixed at Rs 2,400 per quintal.

The Karnataka government has responded to farmer protests by increasing the maximum maize procurement limit per farmer from 20 quintals to 50 quintals under its support price scheme.

A government corrigendum detailed that procurement will be adjusted according to land recorded in the FRUITS software and that each farmer can sell up to 50 quintals at Rs 2,400 per quintal, determined at a rate of 12 quintals per acre.

Priority in purchases will continue to be given to Primary Agricultural Credit Societies (PACS) close to distilleries. The move follows recent demonstrations by farmers citing 'unfair treatment' in the existing procurement cap.

(With inputs from agencies.)