Nizamabad farmers hold meeting;demand MSP for turmeric,sorghum

: Over 170 farmers who filed their nominations for the April 11 Lok Sabha polls in Telangana, are not looking to win, but to draw nationwide attention to their plight, Kisan Khet Congress State president Anwesh Reddy said here Tuesday.

The farmers had decided to contest the polls as a mark of protest, alleging that the ruling Telangana Rashtra Samithi (TRS) failed to ensure Minimum Support Price for turmeric and red jowar (sorghum) produce and in getting the Turmeric Board established in Nizamabad.

"The nominations by these farmers have been filed in protest against the non-fulfilment of poll promises by the TRS party MP Kavitha. She said she will not seek votes if she fails to get Rs 10,000 ( per quintal) for turmeric.

She also promised to set up a Turmeric Board for Nizamabad. Now she says setting up Board is not in her hands. Then why should we vote for you ( Kavitha)?," Reddy said at a public meeting got up here in support of the farmers.

Former MLC Prof Nageswar said turmeric farmers are demanding support price, lest they be forced to announce a crop holiday.

As per the Swaminathan report, farmers in the country should get income the way Government employees get their salary, he said adding the agitation should continue until permanent solution is found for the turmeric and red sorghum farmers.

Advocate Rachana Reddy also spoke at the meeting.

The Telangana High Court had on Monday declined to issue a direction to the Election Commission to postpone the polling date for Nizamabad Lok Sabha constituency.

A section of farmers, who are contesting from the seat, had filed a petition last week, urging the court to issue a direction to the EC to postpone the polling date to enable them have sufficient time for campaigning.

Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Raos daughter is seeking reelection for this constituency.