Delay in opening procurement centre flayed
Coconut is grown on large areas in Chamarajanagar district; apathy of babus bemoaned
Delay in opening coconut purchasing centre in Chamarajanagar City is causing worry for coconut growers. This has come as a shock for those who have already suffered heavy damage due termite and pest attacks.
However, the district administration and people’s are not bothered to solve this problem being faced by the growers. Thousands of farmers grow coconut plant on 14,100 hectares in the district.
Out of which, the highest cultivation is in Chamarajanagar taluk with 8,500 hectare, 3,300 hectare in Gundlupet, 1, 400 hectare in Kollegal and 900 hectare in Yalandur taluk. Meanwhile, the State and Union Governments have announced Rs 12,000 as MSP for coconut. An order to this effect has been circulated to all departments concerned for implementation of the same to protect interest of farmers.
Besides, Rs one crore has been released from the revolving fund for opening purchase centres, but officials are not ready to adhere to the government’s decision.
According to sources, around Rs 7 crore to Rs 8 crore worth coconut is grown in the district in the current year. Each farmer gets Rs 6 per coconut sale if the MSP rule is applied.
District unit President of the coconut Growers Association A M Mahesh Prabhu came down heavily on the district administration for not opening the coconut purchase centre under pretext of lack of basic amenities and non -availability of land in Chamarajanagar.
He wanted the government to open the centre immediately by finding suitable place.
Withdraw
The government may withdraw the funds if the district administration delays in opening the Centre.
The association members would launch an agitation against State Government if their demands are not met, he warned.
