Madikeri: The govt paddy procurement centres, set up to provide support prices, received a poor response from farmers in Kodagu district.Only three farmers have registered so far to sell a total of 150 quintals, and none brought paddy to the centres for sale. While other districts witnessed protests demanding the start of procurement, Kodagu faced a different situation, with centres remaining idle. Paddy cultivation, once widespread in Kodagu, steadily declined due to factors like elephant and other wildlife attacks, unfavourable weather, and low profitability.The support-price scheme intended to encourage cultivation did not gain traction in the district, with farmers reportedly reluctant to sell to govt centres because the offered price was lower than the open market rate.Procurement centres opened at Somwarpet, Gonikoppa, Kushalnagar and Madikeri RMCs, along with a centre at the Virajpet agriculture department premises.Registration for procurement was open from Oct 15 to Dec 31, during which only three farmers enrolled. The govt fixed the procurement price at Rs 2,369 per quintal. However, traders reportedly paid Rs 2,400 to Rs 2,500 per quintal, making private sales more attractive.Farmers said they themselves must transport paddy to the procurement centre and typically received payment only after a few days, whereas traders often collected the produce directly, reducing effort and delay in payment.
