THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Kerala will oppose any move by the Centre to bring in changes in the existing food grains procurement policies against the farmers’ interests, said Chief Minister Oommen Chandy.
Responding to the notice given for an adjournment motion over the new Central policies on food grains procurement, Chandy assured the Assembly on Friday that the state would not accept any proposals by the Union Government to bring in a fixed price system for grains procurement, against the interests of the farmers. Seeking leave for an adjournment motion, A K Saseendran MLA said that the Secretary of Consumer Affairs Ministry had earlier sent a letter to states on fixing new prices for foods grains procured from farmers.
The issue had come up during a recent meeting of food ministers also, he said.
Speaking on the issue, Food Minister Anoop Jacob said Kerala has made it clear that farmers’ interests would be protected.
That’s why the state is giving higher MSP (Maximum Support Price) to the farmers here. Responding to the motion, Chandy said the state is already giving a subsidy of Rs 5.90 to ensure that the farmers got a decent price for the food grains procured.
The state shouldered a financial burden of Rs 312 crore this year to support the rice farmers in the state, he said.
Arrears Cleared
Arrears to the tune of Rs 100 crore due to rice farmers in the state in connection with paddy procurement was issued on Thursday, said Chief Minister Oommen Chandy.
The Chief Minister informed the Assembly on Friday that currently there’s no arrears pending.