“The policies of the Central government are not responsible for the fall in maize prices or the delay in their procurement through market intervention. It is the State government that has squarely failed in its responsibilities,” Union Minister for Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution Pralhad Joshi said in Hubballi on Sunday.
“The State government has completely neglected its responsibilities towards farmers and the poor, as it is busy in its political in-fighting. Congress leaders are busy in in-fighting. They have sacrificed the interests of maize farmers in their factionalism. The problem of maize farmers has worsened as the State government is inactive,” he said.
“The Union government has, on its part, all its duties. It has announced pro-farmer policies with respect to sugarcane and maize cultivation, procurement and utilisation. Allegations that the Union government’s policies on export import, Fair and Remunerative Prices or industrial usage have led to the fall in prices of maize or non-remunerative prices of sugarcane are completely false. We have provided all kinds of support to sugar factories, sugarcane growers and maize. It is the job of the State government to implement it. The Centre has given permission for ethanol production and announced good prices for sugarcane and ethanol. We have also announced a good procurement price for maize for market intervention. Maize is also consumed as staple food in some States,” he said.
“The Centre has not only allowed States to procure maize but has also announced a support price of ₹42 per kg. In such a situation, it is the State government that should ensure that maize is purchased at the support price for ethanol production. But the State government is not taking up procurement. It is obvious that distilleries are regulated by the Department of Excise in the States and they need to be properly monitored. The State government cannot blame the Centre for everything,” Mr. Joshi said.
“The Chief Minister has said that he will do it. But it should be effectively implemented on the ground so that farmers benefit. Let us see,” he said.
