Delay in opening of sunflower procurement centres worries farmers

Mysuru: Farmers in Mysuru and Chamarajanagar districts are facing difficulties due to the delay in opening sunflower procurement centres.
The demand for the oilseed crop has increased in both domestic and international markets, leading to a higher number of farmers cultivating sunflowers during the kharif season.
The state govt has encouraged farmers to grow oilseed crops by setting targets in each district to boost domestic sunflower oil production and meet local consumer demands.This initiative was taken in response to the ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine, which together supply 90% of India’s sunflower oil needs. India imported about 13.2 million tonnes of edible oil last year, according to experts.
Farmers have harvested bumper crops due to abundant rain since the start of pre-monsoon showers in April-May. The govt announced a minimum support price (MSP) of Rs 7,290 per quintal, but the delay in opening sunflower procurement centres by the respective district administrations has forced farmers to sell their crops to local traders and commission agents at prices ranging from Rs 4,500 to Rs 50,00 per quintal.
In Chamarajanagar, farmers have grown bumper crops on around 12,298 hectares against the target of 13,095 hectares, predominantly in Gundlupet, Hanur, and Chamarajanagar taluks, according to agriculture department data. Similarly, in Mysuru district, farmers have cultivated sunflowers on around 9,980 hectares against the target of 12,000 hectares in HD Kote, Hunsur, Periyapatna, and some areas of T Narasipur and Nanjangud taluks this year. Many farmers who previously cultivated maize, Bengal gram, and cotton are now switching to sunflower cultivation in these two districts.
Marigowda, a farmer from Horalahalli village, expressed his concern over the delay in opening procurement centres. He stated that the govt’s announcement of Rs 7,290 per quintal MSP will help growers receive maximum benefits, but the delay has left them with no choice but to sell their crops to local buyers or commission agents at the prices they offer.
SS Abid, joint director of agriculture in Chamarajanagar, said the department has sent a letter through the district administration to open sunflower procurement centres at APMCs. He expects the govt to issue directions to all districts to open such procurement centres within two days.