{
  "id": 10966214,
  "title": "Raitha Sangha seeks import duty to protect local red gram growers",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/30/raitha-sangha-seeks-import-duty-to-protect-local-red-gram-growers",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-09-30T14:52:21.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "The Hindu",
    "slug": "the-hindu",
    "url": "https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/karnataka/raitha-sangha-seeks-import-duty-to-protect-local-red-gram-growers/article71529245.ece"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "The Karnataka Prantha Raitha Sangha (KPRS) has called for an increase in import duties on red gram from other countries to protect local growers and ensure they receive a fair Minimum Support Price (MSP). At a press conference in Kalaburagi, KPRS district president Sharanabasappa Mamshetty expressed support for Kalaburagi's GI-tagged tur dal being exported overseas. However, he stressed the need for the government to take concrete actions to guarantee that farmers receive a just and profitable price for their produce. The MSP for red gram for the 2026-27 crop year has been set at ₹8,450 per quintal, but farmers are currently obtaining only around ₹60 per kg in local markets, a situation Mamshetty deemed troubling. He emphasized that the MSP should not remain a mere declaration but should be backed by an effective procurement system to ensure farmers actually receive the guaranteed price. According to Mamshetty, India imported over 5.05 lakh metric tonnes of tur between January and June 2026, marking a 43% increase compared to the same period last year. Tur imports come from nations such as Mozambique, Myanmar, Tanzania, and Sudan. \"It is unjustifiable to encourage farmers to boost tur production while permitting imported tur to compete in the domestic market without adequate price safeguards. The government must guarantee effective price support and provide a legal commitment to MSP,\" he stated. Mamshetty argued that while Kalaburagi red gram needs access to international markets, the region's farmers also require price security on their own land, urging the government to swiftly implement protective measures for red gram growers.",
  "summary": null,
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}