DHARWAD: Farmers and members of Karnataka Rajya Pakshateeta Raita Hitarakshana Kendra Samiti, Hubli, and Pragatipara Raita Horata Samiti, Dharwad district, launched an indefinite dharna in front of the Deputy Commissioner' office here on Tuesday, demanding revision of minimum support price for onion.

Hike

They are demanding a minimum support price of Rs. 800 for fair average quality onion and subsequent hike in that of the other two grades of the produce.

The minimum support price announced by the Government for three grades of onions was insufficient to meet the cultivation expenses, they said.

On Monday, they laid seige to the office of the Deputy Commissioner's office and submitted a memorandum seeking upward revision of the minimum support price.

Farmers' leaders B.M. Hanasi; Manjunath Mudaraddi; Rajashekhar Menasinkai; Somanna Kuradagi; Babajajan Mudhol; Basavaraj Ganager; Mohan Hosamani; and Devanand Jagapur took part in Tuesday's dharna.

Congress leaders including the former Union Minister Basavaraj Patil Anwari; the former Minister Ajaykumar Sarnayak; MLCs A.M. Hindasageri and Viranna Mattikatti and Nagaraj Chabbi visited the venue of the agitation and expressed solidarity with the protestors.

In an interesting development, leaders Janata Dal (Secular) also met the protestors to extend its support to the agitation.

Janata Dal (Secular) State youth wing president Gururaj Hunasimarad; and Dharwad Zilla Panchayat vice-president B.B. Gangadharmath were among those participated in the dharna.

Members of the striking samitis plan to stage protests in Hebasur, Navalgund and other places in the district.

Printer friendly page  
Send this article to Friends by E-Mail