Demonetisation impact: Trade in Ktaka mandis drop by 30-35%

Farmers in Karnataka are facing hardships in selling their kharif produce in mandis because of demonetisation and trade has come down by about 30-35 percent, state Agriculture Minister Krishan Byre Gowda today said.
"We did not face difficulty in rabi sowing because of demonetisation. But we are seeing problems in mandis, where farmers are not able to sell their kharif produce due to poor demand. The trade transaction has fallen by about 30-35 per cent," Gowda told reporters here.
In the absence of buyers, mandi prices of most agri-crops including vegetables have dropped, he said, adding that this has added to farmers' woes in the state.

"We sell vegetables and fruits to neighbouring states like Maharasthra and Goa. Due to cash problem, transport activities have slowed down," Gowda said.
The minister said the central agencies, especially Nafed has started procurement of tur dal at the minimum support price to protect the interest of farmers.
"We have asked Nafed to open procurement centres in most places so that farmers are benefited," he said.
Similarly in case of copra, the state government has asked Nafed to intensify the procurement operation, he added.
Gowda said that agrarian crisis in the state has aggravated as the state has suffered drought for the six consecutive year. "Even the ongoing rabi crop is likely to be affected due to scanty rains," he said.