Newskarnataka – Mangalore

Mangalore: Several farmers from 11 districts across the State gathered at the DC’s office and held a one-day long hunger protest, which concluded on Wednesday May 21. The Karnataka Rajya Raita Sangha in association with Hasiru Sene agitated against the administration to resolve the issues concerning the arecanut growers.

Sangha Representatives alleged that DC did not hear their appeal or meet them despite they informing his office of their gathering. It is learnt that when the association tried to contact the DC he said that he was on his way to Puttur.

The Sangh questioned this move stating that this is state level issue and there was no need for the DC to go all the way to  Puttur. In protest against this indifference, they sat in dharna in front of the gate and blocked  the way towards the DC’s office

Addressing the protestors Kodihalli Chandrashekar, president of the Karnataka Rajya Raita Sangha displayed annoyance at the indifferent attitude of the government and the administration  towards the farmers of the State. He further warned the police department and the district administration that, if DC fails to apologize, the Sangh would  and gather farmers from 28 districts across in the State and again protest on Monday May 26. He also threatened that Vegetable would not be supplied from Chikmagalur and Mangalore.

Ravikiran Punacha, working president said the arecanut growers are in distress with the production cost having risen to Rs 138 / kg. The    market price is much below the production cost. At the same time, yellow leaf disease has affected arecanut plantations in DK, Udupi, North Kodagu, thus incurring loss to the growers, he said. Apart from this he also highlighted various other issues of the arecanut growers.