Fix ₹12,500 a quintal minimum support price for red gram, say growers

Overview Members of the Samyukta Horata Karnataka , Kalaburagi unit, organized a protest at the Agricultural Produce Market Committee (APMC) Yard on Tuesday, January 20, 2026 . The protest aimed to address the deepening crisis faced by red gram growers in the region by pressing for a series of demands from both the State and Union governments. Key Demands and Issues Minimum Support Price (MSP) The protesters demanded a Minimum Support Price (MSP) of ₹12,500 per quintal for red gram. They argued that the current market prices are significantly below the cost of cultivation, making it difficult for farmers to sustain their livelihoods. Production Incentive Sharanabasappa Mamshetty , president of Karnataka Prantha Raitha Sangha, called on the State government to provide a production incentive of ₹1,000 per quintal . He also requested an additional incentive of ₹1,000 per quintal from the Union government to ensure remunerative returns for farmers. Import Duty The protesters called for the imposition of a 50% import duty on imported red gram. They argued that large-scale imports are depressing domestic prices, further exacerbating the financial difficulties faced by local farmers. Procurement and Crop Insurance Mr. Mamshetty urged the district authorities to immediately commence the procurement of red gram to prevent distress sales by farmers. He also demanded the prompt settlement of crop insurance claims, stating that delays have compounded the financial distress of farmers. Loan Waivers Bheemashankar Madiyal , president of All India Kisan Sabha, and S.B. Mahesh , district secretary of All India Kisan Khet Mazdoor Sangathan, demanded the waiver of agricultural loans by nationalised banks. They cited the mounting debt burden on farmers as a critical issue. Protest Actions Raising slogans against the State and Union governments. Demanding the establishment of exclusive red gram procurement centres similar to milk producers cooperative societies under the Karnataka Milk Federation model. Warning that the continued neglect of the agrarian crisis might lead to an increase in farmer suicides. Announcing a 24-hour protest outside the Deputy Commissioner’s office on Thursday, January 22, 2026 . UPSC Relevance This news article is relevant to the UPSC Civil Services Exam , particularly under GS Paper III (Economy) and GS Paper II (Social Justice) . It highlights issues related to agricultural pricing, farmer distress, government policies, and the impact of international trade on the agricultural sector. Understanding these issues is crucial for Mains answer writing and essay writing. Potential UPSC Questions Evaluate the effectiveness of MSP in addressing farmer distress in India. Discuss the impact of import policies on the agricultural sector in India. Analyze the causes of farmer suicides and suggest measures to mitigate agrarian distress.