The Karnataka government has announced a procurement drive for sunflower seeds at the Minimum Support Price (MSP) of Rs 7,721 per quintal. This initiative aims to provide fair prices to farmers and stabilize the market for oilseeds in the state.
Coverage Across 11 Districts
The procurement will be carried out in 11 districts: Bagalkot, Belagavi, Ballari, Vijayapura, Chamarajanagar, Chitradurga, Gadag, Kalaburagi, Vijayanagara, Raichur, and Dharwad. These regions are known for sunflower cultivation and will benefit from the guaranteed price support.
Impact on Farmers
Farmers in these districts can sell their sunflower seeds at the MSP, ensuring they receive a fair return for their produce. The government hopes this will encourage more cultivation and reduce distress sales. The procurement drive is part of a broader effort to support agricultural income and promote oilseed production in Karnataka.
Officials have set up procurement centers in each district to facilitate the process. Farmers are advised to bring their produce to these centers with necessary documents, including land records and identity proof. The payment will be made directly to their bank accounts through the Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) system.
This announcement comes amid concerns over fluctuating market prices for sunflower seeds. By stepping in as a buyer, the state government aims to shield farmers from price volatility and ensure stability in the agricultural sector.
