Farmers protest in Ballari

The Ballari district committee of the All India Kisan Khet Mazdoor Sangh staged a protest near the Deputy Commissioner's office on Saturday, October third, demanding immediate payment for jowar procured under the MSP scheme.

Three months without payment

AIKKMS district president Govind said farmers had not received payment even three months after selling their jowar to the government, pushing many into financial difficulties and affecting their ability to repay agricultural loans.

Farmers submit demands

The protesters submitted a memorandum to the Union government and the State Minister for Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs through the Additional Deputy Commissioner, seeking payment of all outstanding dues without further delay.

Govind questions government logic

District president Govind questioned the government's decision to use jowar for distribution through the public distribution system while keeping procurement payments due to farmers pending.

“The entire pending amount for jowar procurement should be credited to the farmers' bank accounts without any further delay.”

Demand for permanent payment system

AIKKMS State committee member E. Hanumanthappa demanded a permanent mechanism to ensure that payments for agricultural produce procured under the MSP scheme were made within the stipulated period.

Union threatens further protests

Hanumanthappa warned of intensified agitation, saying the organisation would launch further protests if the pending payments were not cleared and also demanded immediate release of pending hamali wages.