Bengaluru/Mysuru (PTI): The Karnataka government on Friday stepped up pressure on the Centre to halt maize imports and immediately commence central procurement.

Chief Minister Siddaramaiah said that farmers were in deep distress due to a sharp fall in market prices despite a bumper harvest.

Speaking to reporters at the Mysuru airport, the CM said, "The state would provide all kinds of assistance to farmers who are in distress due to the fall in maize prices."

He noted that although the Centre had fixed the MSP for maize at Rs 2,400 per quintal, procurement centres had not yet opened.

"Farmers are insisting that the procurement process be started," he said.

Citing concerns over the 70 lakh metric tonne of maize imported by the Centre, Siddaramaiah said the decision had stalled procure

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