Raitha Sangha seeks import duty to protect local red gram growers
The Karnataka Prantha Raitha Sangha is urging the Indian government to impose import duties on red gram and guarantee Minimum Support Prices for domestic farmers. They argue that rising imports are undermining the livelihoods of local growers despite increased production.
Why it matters
This reflects the ongoing tension between global trade liberalization and the protection of domestic agricultural interests in India's rural economy.
Karnataka Prantha Raitha Sangha (KPRS) has urged the Central government to impose an appropriate tariff on red gram imported from other countries and guarantee the Minimum Support Price (MSP) for domestic red gram growers.
Addressing a press conference in Kalaburagi on Wednesday, KPRS district president Sharanabasappa Mamshetty welcomed the export of Kalaburagi’s GI-tagged tur dal to international markets. However, he urged the government to take concrete measures to ensure that farmers receive a fair and remunerative price for their produce.
Although the Union government has fixed an MSP of ₹8,450 per quintal for red gram for the 2026-27 crop year, farmers are currently receiving around ₹60 per kg in local markets, which he described as a matter of concern. He said the MSP should not remain merely a declared price, but should be backed by an effective procurement mechanism that ensures farmers actually receive it.
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