TRS MLAs Konda Surekha and Aruri Ramesh were gheraoed by hundreds of farmers at Enumamula agricultural market here on Friday. The MLAs were to inaugurate the procurement centre for cotton on behalf of Cotton Corporation of India (CCI). As they arrived late, the farmers, who had come from far off places, lost their patience. As soon as the MLAs arrived, scores of famers gheraoed them for coming late. They also sought to know why the government was not supplying power to save their crops.
Another contention of farmers was that while private traders were offering Rs. 4,100 per quintal on Thursday, the CCI agreed to pay only Rs. 4,050 per quintal. They demanded Rs. 5,000 per quintal for cotton.
Both Ms. Surekha and Mr. Ramesh had a tough time with the farmers yelling and shouting at them.
There has been a steady increase in cotton arrivals at the market. On Friday, nearly 15,000 bags of cotton arrived and the number is likely to increase each day.
Ms. Surekha tried to pacify the unrelenting farmers stating that she would take up their issues with the State government and ensure power supply and good remuneration for cotton.
Meanwhile, maize farmers were also in distress as private traders were offering only Rs. 800 per quintal. Farmers are hoping that Markfed will procure maize at Rs. 1,310 per quintal.
