Andhra turmeric districts turning state's 'Vidarbha'

New Delhi, May 17 (UNI) Despite producing 50 per cent of the nation's turmeric, Nizamabad and Karimnagar districts in Andhra Pradesh are turning to be the state's 'Vidharbha' with farmers deep into debt due to non-remunerative prices and shrinking area of cultivation.

Farmers in these districts have resorted to agitation demanding that a minimum support price be fixed, loans at minimal interest be given and a research centre be established in the region that would save the community from opting out of turmeric cultivation -- their occupation since generations, Swadeshi agran Manch Conveynor Dr Ashwini Mahajan told mediapersons.

''If big firms like Reliance are being given loans at four per cent, why can't poor and marginalised farmers be given money at the same rate for agriculture purposes?'' he asked.

Despite a provision for 40 per cent subsidy for 50 crops, including turmeric, in the 'Horticulture Mission' the government was just not bothered to look into the plight of farmers who were on the verge of starvation, he said adding that this was clear proof of how government schemes remained on mere paper.

''While the closeby Sangli district got Rs 4,000 per quintal for its produce, farmers in Nizamabad and Karimnagar were forced to sell at a mere Rs 1,200-1,800 for a quintal of turmeric. This was because there was no provision of a minimum remunerative price and farmers continue to be exploited,'' he said.

Though India produces 90 per cent of the world's total turmeric and of this 50 per cent comes from these two districts, the area does not have any research centre, nothing to guide farmers on production techniques or any backup like a minimum renumerative price, he said.

''We demand that crop insurance schemes be initiated, loans at minimal rates be given, minimum remuneration prices be fixed and a research centre be set up to help farmers, the lack of which is leading to yeild falling in the area.'' This was imperative as input costs were rising and farmers were being forced to sell below cost price, he added.

UNI