Farmers in Hubballi Face Hardship Due to Lack of Bags for Chickpea Purchase

Mumbai, April 18: Farmers in Hubballi, Karnataka, are facing significant challenges due to a shortage of bags (gunny bags) at procurement centers for chickpea purchases. The farmers have been protesting, claiming that administrative negligence is causing delays in the buying process, increasing the risk of crop spoilage.

Recently, after prolonged protests, the procurement of peanuts at support prices began in the district. However, the chickpea procurement has been stalled due to logistical issues. The lack of empty bags at the centers is making it difficult to secure the harvested crops.

The situation is dire, with piles of chickpeas visible in the open outside the procurement centers. In many cases, farmers have had to bring old bags from home to fill their crops and deliver them to the centers, highlighting the severity of the situation.

According to official data, a total of 23,393 farmers have registered at 36 primary agricultural cooperative society centers for chickpea purchases. However, only 6,400 farmers have managed to sell their produce so far, with approximately 114,078 quintals of chickpeas purchased by March 24. Farmers allege that nearly 60% of their crops still remain outside the procurement centers.

Farmer leader Heman Gowda criticized the authorities for their “irresponsible attitude,” stating that farmers who have cultivated crops under difficult conditions are now left waiting to sell them. Another farmer, Shivanand, mentioned that the lack of bags has brought the entire process to a standstill, causing immense frustration among farmers.

Farmers also expressed concern about the looming threat of unseasonal rain, which could severely damage the crops left in the open. Farmer Chenappa Gowda stated, “If it rains, the entire crop will be ruined. We have been sitting in front of the procurement centers for several days.”

Disparities in procurement data have also been observed in the Dharwad district. While Navalgund saw the highest purchases, Hubballi taluk recorded significantly lower figures. For instance, only 72 quintals were purchased at the Kolivada No. 2 center in Hubballi taluk, compared to 262 quintals at the Hebbali center in Dharwad taluk.

Farmers claim that even a month after registration, many have not received calls to bring their produce. In some cases, cooperative societies are not collecting the heavy bags submitted by farmers.

Most farmers have taken loans for farming, and the delays in procurement are increasing their financial pressure. Many are considering selling their crops in the open market at lower prices out of necessity.

Farmers have urged the government to provide sufficient bags immediately and streamline the procurement process to prevent further losses.