Chilli prices in Telangana witness a 16-25% decline, despite farmers reporting crop damage from pests. Modal prices of popular varieties drop, triggering discontent among farmers demanding ₹25,000 per quintal. Government intervention sends agricultural scientists to assess the reported damage, while market dynamics and low yields contribute to the farmers' struggle.
Highlights
Chilli Prices Decline: Chilli prices have seen a significant drop of 16-25% in the last two months, primarily due to increased arrivals and weak demand, causing dissatisfaction among farmers.
Farmers' Crop Loss Claims: Despite farmers in Telangana reporting crop damage due to pests and diseases, including black thrips and wilting, chilli prices have experienced a decline.
Modal Price Reduction: Modal prices of Teja variety in Warangal have fallen from ₹21,500 to ₹18,000 in the past two months, aggravating farmers' concerns.
Government Intervention: In response to farmers' complaints, the Telangana Government has dispatched a team of agricultural scientists to assess the reported damage caused by pests and diseases in the Khammam and Warangal districts.
Farmers' Demand for Higher Prices: Dissatisfied farmers are now demanding ₹25,000 per quintal for their produce, claiming they are currently receiving only ₹13,000-16,000 at market yards.
Yield Challenges: Farmers report low yields this year, with some experiencing only five quintals per acre compared to the usual 25 quintals in a normal season.
Market Dynamics: Traders are accused of declaring higher prices in the morning but reducing them throughout the day, citing poor quality as a reason.
University Insights: Prof. Jayashankar Telangana State Agricultural University suggests that black thrips incidence is not severe this year. Market Intelligence predicts chilli prices around ₹18,000-19,500 per quintal, with buyers waiting for a possible price correction.
Farmers' Precautions: Some farmers are reportedly holding back stocks, anticipating better prices in the future.
Chilli Production in Telangana: Telangana, a major chilli hub, grows the spice crop in about 4 lakh acres. It ranks fourth in chilli area and second in production and productivity, producing 7.19 lakh tonnes in the last season.
Government Assurance: The Telangana Horticultural Department emphasizes that a smaller number of black thrips should not cause panic and advises farmers to advance the cropping season to reduce thrips incidence during flowering.
Conclusion
The plight of Telangana's chilli farmers encapsulates a challenging narrative of declining prices, pest-related crop concerns, and farmer dissatisfaction. As the government steps in to assess the situation, the demand for higher prices reflects the economic struggles faced by these agricultural stakeholders. The delicate balance between market dynamics, farmer expectations, and potential price corrections underscores the complexity of sustaining livelihoods in the agricultural sector.
Source - https://in.investing.com
