Since paddy is cultivated in large areas in Virajpet and Madikeri, paddy purchase centre was set up at Madikeri APMC, while a jowar purchase centre was set up at Kushalnagar APMC as jowar is grown in Somwarpet.
It was started on December 3 and over the last two months the Agriculture Produce Marketing Committee has failed to purchase even one quintal of paddy or jowar from farmers. Despite this poor response, the government rule states that the centres have to function till March 31 invariably. In Kodagu, 34,800 hectare land area was used to cultivate paddy and jowar was grown on 3,365 hectare this year.
The Kumbhadrona rains washed away paddy and jowar crops failing the second crop. The untimely rains that lashed in December washed away their hopes of having even little crops that they thought they could sell.
Due to the loss, the farmers did not come forth to sell their crops at the purchase centre. Further, since the middle men are going to the door steps of the farmers to purchase the crops at much higher price, the farmers are not willing to come to the centre which pays comparitively lesser.
The Government has fixed Rs 980 per quintal of Grade ‘A’ paddy and Rs 950 for ordinary quality paddy. Likewise, it has fixed Rs 840 for jowar while the middlemen are paying Rs 50 to 100 extra per quintal.
Rules
The farmers have to get their title deed certified from the Tahshildar to sell their crops to the purchase centre. Further, the experts of the Agriculture Department have to attest and certify the quality of the crop. These rules are said to be the main reason what farmers are backing out from coming to the centres.
Madikeri APMC President Ramesh says that there is no use of opening these centres in cities alone. It must be set up in hobli centres as well.
