Maize farmers block Karimnagar market yard to protest delay in procurement
Maize farmers in Karimnagar locked the agriculture market yard gate protesting delays in procurement and shortages of gunny bags, labour and transport facilities. They alleged prolonged waiting under harsh conditions and demanded immediate intervention from officials and market authorities.
Karimnagar: Maize farmers on Monday registered their protest by locking the main entrance gate of Karimnagar agriculture market yard in protest against delay in the procurement of the crop.
Markfed started the procurement of maize in Karimnagar market yard through DCMS from April 20. Farmers were facing troubles right from the opening of the center due to the shortfall of gunny bags, hamalies, vehicles to transport procured crops to godowns and others.
Though they were waiting at the market yard in scorching heat conditions during the last 20 days, officials were least bothered about the procurement, agitating farmers said.
Though it was the responsibility of officials to make all arrangements, farmers were asked to arrange gunny bags, hamalies and thread. So, they have to spend additional money to arrange them. Moreover, they were also forced to fill maize in gunny bags due to the shortfall of hamalies.
Despite being arranged everything by farmers, officials were not taking initiatives to fill the crop in gunny bags and transport to godowns immediately. The crop brought to the market yard 15 days ago was also not procured so far.
Farmers who brought the crop to the market from nearby villages have to spend additional amounts to have meals in hotels.
They wanted the officials, public representatives and market committee authorities to take initiatives to speed up the procurement process.
