<p>Hubballi: Suggesting the officials to submit a proposal to have a dedicated training centre to guide chilli growers from seed selection to marketing, MLA Prasad Abbayya, who is also the chairman of Karnataka Slum Board, assured to get the centre sanctioned after discussing with Chief Minister Siddaramaiah.</p><p>“Byadgi chilli growing in the region enjoys popularity, but farmers are in crisis. State does not have a training centre to properly guide chilli growers till the level of marketing. I ask Karnataka State Spices Development Board (KSSDB) officials to submit a proposal to establish such a centre, and I will get it sanctioned fast after discussing with the chief minister,” he said.</p><p>Launching the three-day 13th Dry Chilli Mela at the multi-purpose exhibition centre at APMC yard near Bhairidevarakoppa in Hubballi on Friday, he stressed the need to empower farmers, by giving them all information and support required. The event is organised by KSSDB, Horticulture Department, Karnatak Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI), APMC and FPOs.</p><p>“APMCs have to be strengthened, as farmers have safety for their sales there. State government has already given nod for a rail rake point to connect the APMC here, and Union Minister of State for Railway V Somanna has also agreed. That link would enhance the business at this APMC. Power supply sub-station and other facilities are also provided at this APMC,” Prasad noted.</p><p>KSSDB Managing Director B R Girish, KCCI president S P Saunshimath, and others were present.</p><p><strong>Production, price</strong></p><p>With slight increase in its cultivation area in the state compared to the previous year, dry chilli growing area is estimated at 1.50 lakh hectares of land this time, with 1.9 lakh metric tonnes of expected production, KSSDB officials said. According to them, crops in the areas which received excess rainfall were affected with diseases and fetched less yield. However, some areas like Ron obtained good dry chilli yield this time.</p><p>The price of Byadgi chilli at the Mela ranges from Rs 280 to Rs 450 per kg, while Guntur and syngenta chilli varieties are also available.</p><p>“Compared to the previous year, price of dry chilli is less this time. Yield is also less due to continuous rainfall. I got only four quintals of good quality from four acres of land,” said Channappa Angadi from Saunshi village, who is quoting Rs 450 per kg of Byadgi Kaddi dry chilli at the Mela.</p><p>Fakirappa Kotagi from Pashupatihal also said yield is less, and the price has come down from Rs 600 per kg last year to around Rs 300 per kg this time.</p>
<p>Hubballi: Suggesting the officials to submit a proposal to have a dedicated training centre to guide chilli growers from seed selection to marketing, MLA Prasad Abbayya, who is also the chairman of Karnataka Slum Board, assured to get the centre sanctioned after discussing with Chief Minister Siddaramaiah.</p><p>“Byadgi chilli growing in the region enjoys popularity, but farmers are in crisis. State does not have a training centre to properly guide chilli growers till the level of marketing. I ask Karnataka State Spices Development Board (KSSDB) officials to submit a proposal to establish such a centre, and I will get it sanctioned fast after discussing with the chief minister,” he said.</p><p>Launching the three-day 13th Dry Chilli Mela at the multi-purpose exhibition centre at APMC yard near Bhairidevarakoppa in Hubballi on Friday, he stressed the need to empower farmers, by giving them all information and support required. The event is organised by KSSDB, Horticulture Department, Karnatak Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI), APMC and FPOs.</p><p>“APMCs have to be strengthened, as farmers have safety for their sales there. State government has already given nod for a rail rake point to connect the APMC here, and Union Minister of State for Railway V Somanna has also agreed. That link would enhance the business at this APMC. Power supply sub-station and other facilities are also provided at this APMC,” Prasad noted.</p><p>KSSDB Managing Director B R Girish, KCCI president S P Saunshimath, and others were present.</p><p><strong>Production, price</strong></p><p>With slight increase in its cultivation area in the state compared to the previous year, dry chilli growing area is estimated at 1.50 lakh hectares of land this time, with 1.9 lakh metric tonnes of expected production, KSSDB officials said. According to them, crops in the areas which received excess rainfall were affected with diseases and fetched less yield. However, some areas like Ron obtained good dry chilli yield this time.</p><p>The price of Byadgi chilli at the Mela ranges from Rs 280 to Rs 450 per kg, while Guntur and syngenta chilli varieties are also available.</p><p>“Compared to the previous year, price of dry chilli is less this time. Yield is also less due to continuous rainfall. I got only four quintals of good quality from four acres of land,” said Channappa Angadi from Saunshi village, who is quoting Rs 450 per kg of Byadgi Kaddi dry chilli at the Mela.</p><p>Fakirappa Kotagi from Pashupatihal also said yield is less, and the price has come down from Rs 600 per kg last year to around Rs 300 per kg this time.</p>
