Nizamabad: Kavitha slams Centre for turning Turmeric Board inauguration into BJP event
The BRS MLC demands Union government to increase Minimum Support Price (MSP) for turmeric to Rs 15,000, restrict turmeric import and provide logistical assistance, to ensure real support for farmers
Nizamabad: BRS MLC K Kavitha welcomed the establishment of the Turmeric Board in Nizamabad, but strongly criticised the Centre turning it into a BJP event ignoring protocol and sidelining the State government as well as local elected representatives from opposition parties. She demanded that the Union government increase Minimum Support Price (MSP) for turmeric to Rs 15,000, restrict turmeric import and provide logistical assistance, to ensure real support for farmers.
“The inauguration was conducted like a BJP program without informing local elected representatives. It is disappointing that only BJP Ministers, MLAs, and MPs were present,” she remarked
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Speaking at a press conference in Nizamabad on Sunday, Kavitha described her decade-long efforts for turmeric farmers, including writing to the then Union Commerce Minister Nirmala Sitharaman in 2014, meeting Prime Minister Narendra Modi twice, and pushing for a support price of Rs 15,000 for turmeric. “The Turmeric Board alone is not enough. Farmers need a guaranteed support price, and poor-quality turmeric imports must be controlled,” she emphasised, pointing out that turmeric imports have doubled since 2014, harming local farmers.
She took aim at BJP MP D Arvind, charging him with contradictory statements and failing to deliver on his promises. “Arvind claimed he would bring the Turmeric Board within five days of being elected, but later argued that the Spices Board was better. Now, he calls the Turmeric Board an inferior option. Such contradictions are laughable,” she said.
The BRS legislator also dismissed Arvind boastings about rising turmeric prices due to his efforts, though they were natural market cycles rather than his efforts. “It is ironic that he takes credit for what happens every three years regardless of anyone’s actions,” she remarked.
Kavitha also demanded immediate action from the BJP to benefit farmers, including controlling imports and establishing turmeric-based industries. She pointed out that K Chandrashekhar Rao’s government took proactive measures, such as allocating 42 acres for a Spices Park at Velpur in Nizamabad district and acquiring 800 acres for Jakranpalli Airport. “I challenge MP Arvind to bring an airport to Jakranpalli as promised,” she added.
She urged the BJP to stop exploiting farmers for political gains and instead focus on tangible support. “Without concrete measures, the Turmeric Board will remain a hollow gesture,” she cautioned.
