Request to fix separate MSP for GI tagged Kalaburgi Tuvar

16-Aug-2024 03:00 PM

Bangalore. Southern state- A special variety of Tuvar is produced in Kalaburgi district of Karnataka, it has got GI tag (Geographical Indicator status) for its specialty.

The producers of Kalaburgi district have requested the government to fix a separate minimum support price for this premium quality Tuvar (Pigeon pea).

The producers say that only when the support price of GI tagged Tuvar is increased by about 20 percent compared to the general category of Tuvar,

it will get special identity and recognition and more and more farmers will get encouragement to buy it. Karnataka has become the most prominent producer of Tuvar in the country.

The Karnataka Pradesh Red Gram Producers Association has sent a memorandum to the PMO requesting the Prime Minister to intervene in this matter, in which the need to fix a fair price in a scientific manner for the GI tagged product has been emphasized.

At present, if the minimum support price (MSP) of the same level is fixed for all varieties and categories of tur, then Rs 7550 per quintal has been fixed for the 2024-25 season. This support price is 7.9 percent more than Rs 7000 per quintal of 2023-24.

It is noteworthy that tur produced in Kalaburagi district received the GI tag in the year 2019. Most of its cultivation there is in rain-dependent areas, but due to the quality of the soil there, this pulse becomes very special.

The content of calcium and potassium in that soil is very high, so the taste and aroma of dal made from tur is unique.

It also contains protein in abundance, which makes it very healthy or nutritious. The association says that due to various qualities, there is a need to market this pulse differently.

In July 2024, GI Tag Registry Office issued certificate to 14 FPOs to use GI certificate. Around 1500 farmers are registered under these FPOs who have received GI tag naturally.