Inter-state paddy transport: Farmers clash at Karnataka-Telangana border

Tensions are rising at the Karnataka-Telangana border as farmers from both states found themselves at loggerheads over paddy movement. Some 50 vehicles carrying paddy from various locations in Mahabubnagar and Nagarkurnool districts heading to Raichur market were halted at the Krishna Bridge.

Hyderabad: Tensions are rising at the Karnataka-Telangana border as farmers from both states found themselves at loggerheads over paddy movement. Some 50 vehicles carrying paddy from various locations in Mahabubnagar and Nagarkurnool districts heading to Raichur market were halted at the Krishna Bridge.

Leaders of Karnataka’s farmers’ unions organized a dharna at the Vasu Nagar Check Post, demanding steps to stop entry of Telangana paddy into Karnataka. Around 60 tractors were lined up across the highway blocking the check post and leading to traffic disruptions.

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The issue began when paddy purchase centers in Nagarkurnool received large quantities of paddy from Karnataka, because of the pricing difference as Telangana government offered Rs 2,820 per quintal along with a bonus of Rs. 500 per quintal. In response, Telangana authorities enforced stringent border checks to prevent the influx of paddy from neighbouring states.

However, delays in procurement at several paddy purchase centers in Mahabubnagar and Nagarkurnool prompted local farmers to transport their produce to Raichur in Karnataka. This move sparked a standoff, with Karnataka farmers opposing entry of Telangana paddy into their state.

The confrontation at the Krishna Bridge added to the tension with all the vehicles carrying paddy stuck at the site.