Rattled over reduced MSP, chilli farmers lock market yard gate

Khammam: Demanding minimum support price for their produce, the chilli farmers of the district staged a dharna in front of agricultural market yard by locking its gates in Khammam on Thursday.

Coming to know that chilli was being sold for Rs 11,000 to 12,000 per quintal for the last few days, the farmers of Khammam along with neighbouring districts brought chilli stocks of around 50,000 to 70,000 bags to the Khammam agricultural market.

But, the officials on Thursday fixed the price of chillies at Rs 9,000 much to the disappointment of farmers. The farmers who expected an MSP of more than 10,000 were shocked after coming to know price and locked the gates of market yard in angst besides seeking an official explanation for pulling down the price. Soon, a heated argument ensued between the officials of market yard and farmers.

Meanwhile, the police intervened and tried to settle the issue. However, the irate farmers staged a dharna demanding an MSP of Rs 11,000.

The farmers alleged that though the price of chilli was around 11,000 to 12,000 per quintal in other districts, the officials in connivance with middlemen and traders reduced the price and fixed it at Rs 9,000. They warned the government of launching an agitation if it failed to give the desired MSP.

Meanwhile, the leaders of CPI, CPM, Telugu Desam and Congress parties extended their support to agitating farmers and demanded the government to address growers’ issues on priority.