The BRS’s Siddipet MLA, Harish Rao, addressed an open letter to Chief Minister Revanth Reddy, urging the government to immediately set up purchase centres for toor dal (split pigeon peas) across Telangana and to fulfil the election promise to provide Rs 400 bonus over the Minimum Support Price (MSP).
In his letter, Harish emphasized that Telangana farmers, cultivating toor dal on over six lakh acres, are projected to produce 2.5 lakh tonnes of the crop this season. The Congress manifesto, including the Warangal Rythu Declaration, promised an additional bonus of Rs 400 per quintal apart from MSP, he said.
He expressed disappointment at the government not providing procurement centres, leaving farmers vulnerable to exploitation in open markets. While the MSP for toor dal is Rs 7,550 per quintal,
market prices range between Rs 6,500 and Rs 6,800, causing farmers a loss of Rs 800 per quintal.
“Farmers are in distress as they fail to receive even basic MSP in open markets due to the government’s negligence. Many are suffering greater losses,” Harish said.
He called for immediate action by the government to help toor dal farmers by establishing procurement centres state-wide so that farmers get MSP and by delivering the promised Rs 400 bonus as per the Warangal Declaration to protect farmers.
“The government must abandon its indifferent approach towards farmers and act promptly to uphold its promises. This is not just a matter of policy but a commitment made to our farmers,” Harish said.
He concluded by reaffirming the BRS’s solidarity with farmers and demanded swift government intervention to protect their interests.
