In a decisive step to address the growing unrest among farmers in North Karnataka, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Thursday convened a meeting to tackle the falling maize prices and ensure state intervention. The meeting aimed to address farmers’ demands for opening maize procurement centres and to direct immediate action to stabilise prices. The CM also stated plans to meet major distilleries in the state to urge them to procure maize for ethanol production.
“The distress faced by our farmers is deeply worrying. It is our responsibility to respond with urgency, clarity, and compassion,” Siddaramaiah said.
The Chief Minister highlighted several issues raised during the meeting, including the increased maize production in Karnataka and across the country. Despite this, the Union Government has continued importing maize, putting pressure on farmers nationwide. It was noted during meeting that Karnataka’s quota for producing ethanol from maize is extremely low, resulting in reduced procurement by distilleries.
Siddaramaiah also pointed out that during the meeting it was highlighted that The Union Ministry of Food and Public Distribution has already issued guidelines for procurement under the MSP scheme through NAFED/NCCF and for using maize in ethanol production. However, these agencies have not yet initiated procurement as per the guidelines, worsening the crisis.Distilleries had stockpiled maize earlier when prices were low, and are now unwilling to buy. This is a clear violation of norms — distilleries must resume procurement as required.
During the meeting, several actions for the state government were discussed:
Urge the Union Government to immediately curb maize imports to stabilise prices.
Press the concerned agencies to quickly procure 8 lakh tonnes of maize.
Since NAFED/NCCF have still not opened procurement centres, demand that they begin procurement immediately to stabilise market prices.
“The State Government will extend all possible support to maize farmers affected by the price crash. As domestic production is sufficient, we will write to the Central Government urging restrictions on maize imports. A meeting will be held with major distilleries in the State to direct them to immediately procure maize for ethanol production. We will also hold discussions with the poultry industry, which has a substantial demand for maize.,” Siddaramaiah added.
