Turmeric farmers to agitate for higher MSP from today

Nizamabad: Turmeric farmers will hold a series of agitation seeking minimum support price (MSP) for their produce. The Athma Gaurava (self respect) rally will be held in Armoor on February 7.

Turmeric, a commercial crop, is cultivated in large scale in Nizamabad district. At the beginning of the season, prices of turmeric had fallen. Presently, turmeric is being sold for Rs 4,000 to Rs 5,500 per quintal. The rate being offered is not beneficial to farmers as the expense incurred for cultivating the crop is high.

Cutting party lines, political leaders have expressed their solidarity with the farmers. The United Front of Turmeric farmers will be at the helm of the agitation programme. Last Monday, representatives of the farmers had held a preparatory meeting at Morthad.

Farmers opined that with Parliament elections around the corner, it is the right time to intensify the agitation for MSP. As the ruling TRS in state and BJP at the Centre would respond on the MSP issue, they added. Red jowar farmers in Armoor had succeeded in getting MSP earlier.

Tight security arrangements have been made to see that no untoward incident occurs during the agitation on Thursday in Armoor.