Delhi is reverberating with the protests by farmers and the entire country is supporting the agitation of farmers. The demand to cancel the farm Acts has intensified. At a time when the Centre is scratching its head on farmers’ protests in Delhi, the Nizamabad farmers have hit the road and this has become a topic of discussion.
Why is there a step-motherly treatment towards turmeric farmers?
The turmeric farmers from Jagtial and Armoor have come on to National Highway 44 with turmeric in their hands and raised slogans against the government. They continued their protest for about three hours and also maintained silence for two minutes to mourn the death of a farmer protesting in Delhi.
What is the relation between turmeric farmers and MP Arvind? This is the question many are asking. Arvind who had signed a bond paper assuring that he would bring Turmeric Board and MSP if he wins as MP, failed in his promise. Hence, the farmers are now demanding the MP to resign and fight along with them. They want the MP to write a letter to the Centre. The farmers are of the opinion that the Centre would come down if they can block the highway for four days.
The AP government has decided to give Rs 6850 per quintal to assist Turmeric farmers, and the latter want this rate for the crop. While the Turmeric was sold between Rs 4,000 to Rs 5,000 per quintal in the market, the remaining money is deposited in the bank accounts of the farmers after certification by Tehsildar, said the farmers. They want the same thing to be followed in Telangana. They said that businessmen would take at a higher price if the government fixes a price.
Nizamabad Turmeric is even supplied to other states and also exported to China, Dubai, Muscat, Oman and other countries. Exports to China have been stopped in wake of Corona. Most of the produce from Nizamabad goes to China.
Even after many assurances by the political parties, the MSP is not provided to turmeric. Still, the Centre and State governments are not taking interest in this. Though the Centre had announced to set up a spice board regional office, the result is likely to come after a year.
Though there is eNAM (National Agriculture Market) there is no advantage. As it is not linked with the national market, the purchasers from other states are not showing keen interest to procure.
The crop is grown in one Lakh acres in the state. The farmers have spent Rs 1 Lakh to Rs 1.5 Lakh per acre. Every year on an average 20 quintals per acre is produced and total production is 20 Lakh quintals. The sale and purchase of Turmeric pick up pace in the month of January and February. The farmers are demanding the state government set up procurement centres for their produce. They are saying that if Markfed is brought into the field, the traders would fall in line. They are also saying that the market will be stable. They have announced that they would disclose an action plan on January 20.
Taking inspiration from farmers in Delhi is a great thing- Prof K Nageshwar
Nageshwar said that they don’t have any objection if Ambani and Adani come and procure by paying Rs 15,000 per quintal but with MSP not included in the Acts, the activities of corporate forces will go unchecked. Why does the government say that the farmers should not go to court in case of disputes between them and corporate companies? The Acts have been brought to procure from the farmers and store them and sell them whenever there is a higher price. He said taking inspiration from the farmers in Delhi is a great thing.
