Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan has called a meeting with officials from all relevant departments to determine the market intervention price (MIP) for red chillies from Andhra Pradesh.
Published Feb 21, 2025 | 12:09 AM ⚊ Updated Feb 21, 2025 | 12:09 AM
Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan and Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu
Synopsis: Soon after Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu requested Centre’s assistance for chilli farmers facing plummeting prices, Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan responded by calling a high-level meeting to determine the market intervention price (MIP) and explore export strategies. The meeting, scheduled for Friday, will include officials from multiple central departments, including Commerce, ICAR, and APEDA.
Soon after Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu wrote to the Centre requesting assistance for chilli farmers from his state amidst plummeting price of the crop, Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan has called a meeting with officials from all relevant departments to determine the market intervention price (MIP) for red chillies from Andhra Pradesh.
The meeting is scheduled for Friday, 21 February, at 11am at Krishi Bhavan, Delhi. Officials will also discuss strategies to promote the export of red chillies from Andhra Pradesh.
According to a communique from the Agriculture Ministry, the Deputy Commissioner has requested representation from senior officials of the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, ICAR, APEDA, Statistics Division, Advisor (Horticulture Statistics), and Additional Commissioner (Horticulture).
The Telugu Desam Party (TDP) is the second biggest party in the ruling National Democratic Alliance and has considerable sway at the Centre.
Naidu spoke to Chouhan, who was on tour, via video conference, explaining that prices were plummeting due to weak international demand. The chief minister was in Delhi on Thursday to attend the swearing-in ceremony of Rekha Gupta as BJP’s first Delhi Chief Minister in 27 years.
In an official release, Naidu assured chilli farmers of full support, stating that he had taken up the issue with the central government. “This time, the prices have fallen significantly. Previously, the international market was strong, ensuring good returns for farmers. However, due to a decline in global demand, prices have dropped,” he said.
He noted that Andhra Pradesh is expected to produce 1.2 million tonnes of chillies this year, with 4 lakh tonnes already arriving in the market. Chilli cultivation spans approximately five lakh acres, and the price drop has severely impacted farmers. “I have requested the central government to intervene and support farmers. Under the Market Intervention Scheme (MIS), only 25 percent is provided as relief. However, price determination should consider the cost of cultivation. I have urged the Union Minister to rectify these issues,” Naidu stated.
The Chief Minister reaffirmed his commitment to farmers, saying, “On Saturday, I will meet with traders and market committee representatives to understand the reasons for the price drop. We have already sent three letters to the Centre. Additionally, state officials have been in discussions with central authorities. I have come to Delhi with the sole intention of protecting the interests of chilli farmers, and I will take all necessary steps to ensure that farmers do not suffer losses.”
(Edited by Dese Gowda)
