No Injustice to Red Sorghum Farmers Will Be Tolerated: Vemula Prashanth Reddy

Baalkonda MLA and former minister Vemula Prashanth Reddy expressed concern over attempts by traders to artificially reduce the price of red sorghum , causing losses to farmers . On Tuesday, he spoke with District Collector Ila Tripathi and urged immediate action to curb the traders’ syndicate and ensure remunerative prices .

He said the price of red sorghum, which was around ₹3,850 per quintal at the start of the season, has now fallen to ₹3,400–₹3,450 . Normally, prices should increase when production declines , but traders are allegedly acting together to suppress the market rate.

The MLA noted that cultivation in the district has dropped from 34,000 acres last year to about 23,000 acres this season as many farmers shifted to maize. With lower output, prices should ideally range between ₹3,850 and ₹4,000, he said.

Rejecting claims that international conflicts caused the decline, he pointed out that red sorghum is mainly exported to Pakistan, Bangladesh, Afghanistan, and northern Indian states where such disruptions do not exist.

Prashanth Reddy urged officials to strictly enforce existing rules, allow only licensed traders to supply seeds, and ensure buyback agreements with farmers. He also suggested special monitoring in Balkonda, Armur, and Jakranpalli mandals where cultivation is higher.

Stating that farmers are already facing difficulties due to falling maize prices, he demanded government intervention to ensure at least ₹4,000 per quintal . The District Collector reportedly assured that a review meeting with officials will be held soon to address the issue.