Row over seed price rise; Siddu defends state govt

Bengaluru, NT Bureau: Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Tuesday addressed news reports that prices of seeds had skyrocketed in the state. Sections of the Opposition had picked up on the issue and blamed the Congress-led State government for the increase in the price of seeds, demanding that the rates be regulated.

A report in Kannada daily Samyukta Karnataka reported that there had been a significant increase in the prices. For instance, the rate of sorghum seeds went from Rs 202.5 for regular customers and Rs 157.5 per five kg for Schedule Caste (SC) and Scheduled Tribe (ST) growers in 2023 to Rs 285 and Rs 240 respectively in 2024.

The price of toor dal (pulses’) seeds went from Rs 525 as the normal price and Rs 462.25 for SCST farmers in 2023 to Rs 770 and Rs 707.5 respectively in 2024. Siddaramaiah defended his government, adding that the prices of seeds had shot up due to the drought of the previous year.

He said that the prices of seeds in Karnataka were low compared to neighbouring states like Maharashtra.

He added that seed producing farmers would benefit from the price hike, hoping that a “good” monsoon would cause a correction in rates.

“Seed production dipped due to the drought of 2023- 24 and the prices increased. Therefore, the price of seeds has increased. This has happened in all states where crops are grown in monsoon. Prices are lower in our states compared to others,” Siddaramaiah said.