Title: Need to protect the interests of potato and onion growers in Karnataka-Laid.
(BAGALKOT) : For the last two to three months, dumping of potato and onion daily at the Agriculture produce Market of Amargola in Hubli is being repeated every day. Neither there are buyers nor there are facilities for exporting these items. The conditions of potato and onion growers continue to be pathetic without any ray of hope in the near future.
That is not the first time that such a situation has arisen. Last year also the same desperate situation was prevailing at Bagalkot, Dharwar, Gaolag, Haveri, Bijapur and many other parts of Karnataka. But till today this perennial problem of farmers has not been solved. Last year the State Government of Karnataka has purchased potato and it had also announced support price. This year the situation is more serious as potato, onion are rotting at the dumping centres.
Therefore, I urge upon the Honâble Minister of Agriculture to enquire into this very important matter. Also, I request him to immediately announce support price for potato and onion and to open procurement Centres at Bagalkot, Bijapur, Hubli, Dharwar and other places in Karnataka so as to save the potato and onion growers from ruin.