GUNTUR: The chilli growers called off their hunger protest at Guntur on Thursday in view of an assurance from the government. Chilli price had badly come down which forced the growers into huge income losses. The government would pay a compensation to the chilli growers for the fallen price. Primarily the chilli growers would get Rs 1500 per quintal as compensation for 20 quintals.
CPI state secretary K. Ramakrishna offered lime juice to the protesters in the hunger fast camp in front of the Collectorate at Guntur. Speaking on the occasion, Mr Ramkrishna said this is only a partial win to chilli farmers as the compensation announced by the government is very low.
He said that majority of the chilli growers are leasee farmers. Hence, the compensation would go to the original farmer. So, the government should give the compensation to the leasee farmers who incurred losses due to poor price. He sought completion of the the compensation paying process within 10 to 15 days. Mr Ramakrishna further demanded removal of limit of 20 quintals for compensation and demanded the government to pay compensation to sell the produce without any restrictions.
AIKS vice-president R. Venkaiah stated about continuation of efforts and protests for the establishment of Chilli Board and Market Price Stabilisation fund. CPI Guntur committee secretary J. Ajay Kumar and other leaders participated in the programme.
