Farmers hope better price for 'golden grain'

Madhya Pradesh is known for its Sharbati wheat and 50 per cent of the country's production come from the state. Last year alone the state produced around 1.3 lack metric ton of the 'golden grain' wheat.

Sehore:Ahead of budget 2021 Madhya Pradesh farmers are hopeful that this time their struggle for Geographical Indicator (GI) tag for Basmati rice and increase in the base price for Sharbati wheat will be accepted bringing much-needed relief to them.

Madhya Pradesh that is known for its Sharbati wheat is credited with the production of over fifty per cent of it all over India. Last year alone the state produced around 1.3 lack metric ton of the 'golden grain' wheat.

Known for its premium quality and taste, the Sharbati wheat is exported to various Indian states like Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Gujarat and Delhi from Sehore and Vidisha. However, farmers claim that the price of transportation is too high.

They say that if the government reduces the transportation charges in the budget and increase the selling price of the premium quality wheat, then their expenses will be reduced and profits will increase.

The other quality of wheat in the country is sold from Rs 2000 to 2500 per quintal, but the Sharbati wheat starts from Rs 4000 per quintal. Known for its shine, the grains of this quality wheat are almost the same.

The Black and alluvial fertile soil in Sehore region is considered best for the cultivation of the Sharbati wheat.

Struggle for GI tag

The state has been fighting for GI tag fight for Basmati that it cultivates in nearly 13 districts for a long time and reportedly the chances of approval have now increased.

Nearly 4 lakh farmers of the state are associated with the production of basmati rice from Bhind, Morena, Gwalior, Datia, Shivpuri, Guna, Sheopur in Vidisha, Raisen, Sehore, Hoshangabad, Narsinghpur and Jabalpur in Gwalior-Chambal area.

However, in the absence of proper recognition, they are forced to short-sell their produce.

With the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) withdrawing its objection, only the Supreme Court case needs to be concluded for the GI tag to come through.

The rice cultivators of the state hope that in the coming budget they will get many types of discounts which will be helpful to them as well as Madhya Pradesh that will be able to establish its identity in Basmati area too.