JD(S) Leader SR Mahesh Sounds Alarm Over Alleged Farmer Exploitation in Karnataka
Former minister and JD(S) working president SR Mahesh has raised serious concerns regarding the severe distress faced by farmers in Karnataka, accusing government procurement centers of engaging in exploitative practices rather than providing support. Speaking from Mysuru on Friday, Mahesh highlighted that key crops including paddy, ragi, and tobacco are being affected by what he termed unfair and opaque pricing mechanisms.
Specific Allegations of Deductions and Financial Losses
Mahesh provided detailed allegations, focusing particularly on ragi procurement. He stated that although the state government has established a support price for ragi and set up official procurement centers at locations such as KR Nagar, Chunchanakatte, and Saligrama, these centers are reportedly taking an additional 4 kilograms of ragi from each farmer beyond the agreed amount.
"This systematic deduction has resulted in the procurement of approximately 60,000 quintals of ragi so far, causing direct financial losses ranging from Rs 200 to Rs 250 per quintal for the affected farmers," Mahesh claimed. He emphasized that these losses are compounding the already challenging economic conditions faced by agricultural communities.
Questions Over Transparency and Fund Allocation
The former minister also raised critical questions about the logistics and financial transparency of the procurement process. He pointed out that while Rs 32 per quintal is officially allocated for transportation costs and Rs 26 is designated as payment to labourers for every 50 bags handled, the actual utilization of these funds remains unclear.
"Where are these funds really going? The lack of accountability suggests possible mismanagement or diversion, further exacerbating the exploitation of farmers," Mahesh questioned during his address.
Sharp Critique of State Administration and Broader Implications
Launching a direct critique of the state administration, Mahesh expressed astonishment at how the Chief Minister could remain unaware of what he described as a "daylight robbery" of farmers. He accused the food department of gross negligence in overseeing the procurement operations.
Although the Deputy Commissioner has assured intervention following these allegations, Mahesh demanded immediate accountability for the losses already incurred by farmers. He warned that this exploitation is not an isolated issue confined to Mysuru district but is potentially widespread across Karnataka, possibly operated under a "remote control" system that bypasses local oversight.
Demands for Compensation and Threat of Protests
In response to these grievances, SR Mahesh has issued a clear set of demands to the state government:
- Provide full compensation to all farmers who have suffered financial losses due to the alleged unfair practices.
- Dismantle what he referred to as the "transport lobby" that may be benefiting from the current system.
- Implement immediate reforms to ensure transparency and fairness in all future crop procurement processes.
Mahesh concluded with a stern warning, stating that failure to address these issues promptly will lead to organized protests during the Chief Minister's next scheduled visit to Mysuru. He urged the government to take swift action to restore trust and support within the agricultural community.
