JOIN USKarnataka State Spices Development Board (KSSDB) Chairperson Shashikala Kavali lamented that the board officials are spreading wrong information that this year's 'Chilli Mela' recorded less sales, though it had better response compared to the last year's event.
"In three days, the Chilli Mela recorded sales of 185 tonnes of red chilli worth Rs 3.70 crore, and the average rate was from Rs 200 to Rs 220 per kg. But, the officials said, the sales were less this time. They did not give me the details, and I personally collected it from the records," she said.
Speaking to media persons here on Tuesday, she noted that she would bring the issue of negligence and no-operation of the officials to the notice of the government. Farmers who participated in the Chilli Mela were happy, as they got better price this time, though the yield was less, she said.
'Funds not spent'
Ms Kavali said, Rs 21 crore provided to the board in 2013-14 was not spent, and Chief Minister Siddaramaiah would be urged to initiate action against the managing director, who did not work for the welfare of spice growers.
Within a few weeks, the amount would be spent for schemes meant for spice growers, or it would be donated to the chief minister's relief fund, or would be returned to the Finance Department, she noted.
As many as 20 guntas of land at the APMC premises has been sanctioned for the KSSDB, while the government is expected to provide Rs 10 crore for the construction of office, laboratory, steam sterilisation unit, nursery, auction centre and training centre there. The foundation stone would be laid before the model code of conduct for elections comes into force. Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has also assured to allocate Rs 50 crore to the KSSDB in the budget, she added.
Who is B C Patil?
"I am an aspirant for Congress Party ticket to contest from Hirekerur constituency in the forthcoming Assembly elections. Who is B C Patil? He is from Shikaripur taluk, and let him find any constituency other than Hirekerur. I come from Hirekerur, and I am an original Congress worker who joined the party during the tenure of Indira Gandhi. Mr Patil was with other parties also," Shashikala Kavali said.
I would seek the ticket directly from the party's high-command, she added.