State to procure 10 lakh tonnes of maize; CM asks Centre to stop import

Amid rising maize production in Karnataka and a sharp fall in prices that has pushed growers into distress, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has said that he has written to the Centre seeking an immediate suspension of maize imports to safeguard the interests of local farmers.

This year, maize production in the State is estimated at 55 lakh tonnes, and the State government has decided to support farmers by opening procurement centres soon to purchase maize.

Before leaving for Mysuru, the Chief Minister held a meeting in Bengaluru to review the situation over the falling maize prices.

Following the meeting, he told reporters in Mysuru that the State government would extend all possible support to farmers affected by the price crash.

Although the Minimum Support Price (MSP) for maize has been fixed at ₹2,400 per quintal, procurement centres are yet to open, leading to protests from growers.

Despite increased maize production in several States, including Karnataka, the Centre had permitted the import of around 70 lakh tonnes of maize — an unnecessary move when domestic output was abundant, he said.

Mr. Siddaramaiah added that the Union government must halt imports to protect farmers’ interests.

Because of the ongoing imports, procurement agencies such as NAFED and NCCF had not begun purchasing maize, forcing farmers to stage demonstrations in various regions, he noted.

The Chief Minister also said that distilleries had already purchased and stored maize when prices were low. Officials had been instructed to hold discussions with distillery owners to consider purchases were made as per norms.

To mitigate farmer distress, the State government had decided to procure 10 lakh tonnes of maize directly from growers and would set up procurement centres shortly, he announced.

Minister for Law and Parliamentary Affairs H.K. Patil, who accompanied the Chief Minister, said issues concerning green gram (’hesaru kalu’) quality norms (Fair Average Quality) were also discussed at the meeting. The State would request the Centre to revise these norms, and a team of officials would travel to Delhi to pursue the matter, he added.

To reporters’ questions on his recent meeting with the Prime Minister, Mr. Siddaramaiah said he sought relief for crop losses caused by heavy rains as crops on around 15.5 lakh hectares had been affected due to rains this year. He expressed confidence that the Centre would respond positively to the State’s appeal.