In order to combat foodgrain inflation, the State government has issued an order limiting the storage of grain by millers and wholesale merchants. Farmer associations, however, feel this is a short-term measure and that the government should go for long-term measures such as local procurement, storage, and distribution.
“The State government has a unique opportunity to convert Anna Bhaya into ‘raitha bhagya’ by buying directly from farmers instead of procuring from mills and wholesale dealers,” said Sidagouda Modagi, Bharatiya Krishik Samaj president. “This will reduce the profit margins of intermediaries and ensure that homemakers get food at fair prices, while farmers get remunerative prices,” he said.
