Farmers mull over launching company to promote crops

To give a better price for the farmers’ produce and to promote value-added products, a group of farmers have now gathered to float a company to promote paddy, coconut and Harekala chilly.

The proposal is in its nascent stage with a group of farmers led by Praveen Rai and Devaraj Rai of Harekala Sampigedadi deciding to float a company.

“All the files required for the purpose have been handed over to an auditor to frame bylaws for the company. In addition, the Horticulture Department has also promised to extend its support for the same,” said Manohar Shetty N, Karnataka Rajya Raitha Sangha Hasiru Sene organising secretary to DH.

A group of farmers held discussion to this effect. The company will be formed under Section 8 of the Companies Act, 2013. The process of forming the company is underway, he said.

“It will have nine to 10 directors with a CEO. We are also searching for an office,” said Manohar Shetty.

The forming of the company will also give a new lease of life to ‘Harekala Menasu’ — which is facing a threat due to a reduction in the area of cultivation. Harekala menasu is cultivated in Harekala, Pavoor and Amblamogaru villages along the banks of the Netravathi, in Mangaluru taluk.

The Harekala chillies have lots of seeds, are non-crinkly and very spicy as compared to other popular varieties of chillies. Further, value -addition to coconut products like desiccated coconut powder, virgin coconut oil, coconut chips can be taken up through the company, said Manohar Shetty.

“The packed paddy can also be sold by the company. The company aims at providing a better price to the farmers without the interference of middlemen,” he added.

Citing an example, he said a coconut which costs around Rs 20 to 25 in the market for consumers, fetches farmers only between Rs 10 to 12. The floating of a farmers company will help in getting a better price for the farmers,” he said.