District administration committed to providing MSP for paddy
Krishna District Collector DK Balaji has clarified that the moisture levels recorded in paddy grains at the Rythu Seva Kendras (RSK) are final, assuring farmers that they need not worry about this issue. He stated that the district administration is working hard to provide a Minimum Support Price (MSP) for paddy farmers.
On Sunday, Collector Balaji visited villages including Majeru, Lankapalli, and Pupadam Devarakota in Ghantasalal mandal. He interacted with paddy farmers and enquired about the MSP and the transportation of paddy bags. Also, he inspected the paddy procurement in these villages.
Many farmers expressed concerns that due to recent floods, their paddy moisture levels exceed 27-30 per cent, leading them to receive only Rs.1,500 for a 75-kg bag. Fearing further heavy rainfall, they had to sell their paddy even with higher moisture content.
During these interactions, Collector Balaji reassured farmers that the district administration is committed to providing MSP for their paddy. He emphasised that they should not worry about selling their produce at the Paddy Procurement Centres (PPC) established at the RSKs. He noted that the moisture levels recorded at the RSKs are final and must be accepted by rice millers. Farmers were encouraged to bring any queries regarding this matter to his attention for resolution.
The Collector also visited the RSK at Devarakota to discuss procurement issues with farmers. One farmer, Vemuri Ratnagiri, informed him that they received Rs.1,500 as MSP for a 75 kg bag, irrespective of the moisture, from private traders. Due to fears of heavy rains, they sold their produce to these private buyers. He mentioned that they encountered significant challenges in spreading the harvested paddy grains.
Besides, the farmers brought to the Collector’s attention that the 1061 and 1262 paddy varieties are in high demand in the market; however, rice millers have shown little interest in purchasing these varieties. They requested dryers for future use to help with processing their paddy grains.
Gajula Naga Srinivasa Rao, the Sarpanch of Acchampalem, complained that the Agriculture Department has not conducted e-crop surveys in his village for the past four years. In response, Collector Balaji directed the department officials to submit a report along with the e-crop data. He assured the farmers that a probe will be conducted regarding their concerns.
The Collector was accompanied by Krishna District Agriculture Officer N Padmavathi, Assistant Director Manidhar, Tahsildar B Vijaya Prasad, Deputy Tahsildar B Kanaka Durga, and others.
