Lok Sabha Debates
Need To Increase Minimum Support Price In Respect Of ''Copra''. on 26 April, 2016
Sixteenth Loksabha an> Title: Need to increase minimum support price in respect of 'Copra'.
SHRI S.P. MUDDAHANUME GOWDA (TUMKUR): Madam, I would like to bring to the notice of the Government of India the plight of coconut farmers in the country. In my constituency Tumkur, coconut is one of the major crops. In Karnataka also, that is one of the major crops. It is no longer a commercial crop now insofar as my constituency is concerned. It has almost become a source of livelihood of these farmers. But, because of the depletion of underground water and continuous drought situation in the country as also in my constituency, the coconut farming has almost become a serious problem. The major portion of the coconut farming is almost destroyed. In addition to that, Madam, there is a steep fall in copra price in the country. The Minimum Support Price which the Government of India is now providing is also very meagre. It is unfortunate that I have to bring to the notice of this august House but even coconut growing farmers are also committing suicides in my Constituency and in Karnataka not having been able to repay the loans which they have raised.
I would urge upon the Government of India to increase the Minimum Support Price of copra in the country to ensure that at least a minimum of Rs.10,000 per quintal is given. That may not give much profit to the coconut farmers, it is sufficient only to meet the agricultural costs. That is why I urge upon the Government of India to increase the Minimum Support Price of copra to a minimum of Rs.10,000 per quintal. Thank you.
HON. SPEAKER: Shri Mullapally Ramchandran, Dr. A. Sampath are permitted to associate with the issue raised by Shri S.P. Muddahanume Gowda.