Thoothukudi farmers concerned as shallot prices fall, demands market support

Farmers from the northern part of Thoothukudi district raised concerns over the low procurement rates offered by traders for shallots in Pudur, Kadalkudi and other villages in the region.

Traditionally, the farmers from the northern part of the district depend on the northeast monsoon for their agricultural produce, due to dry climatic conditions and black soil (Karisal mann) of the region.

During the Rabi season, they cultivate shallots along with other crops, including black gram, maize, green gram, cotton, coriander etc,.

In case of this year’s shallots produce, farmers were affected by the significantly low yield due to the delayed rainfall, which ideally should begin in mid October, started only by November, in turn affecting the quality of the yield.

From villages like Pudur and Kadalkudi, traders from various parts of the state, visit directly to procure shallots during this season. However this year, the season which began with a slow pace of selling shallots ₹35 per kg has been now steeping down further, due to the delayed rainfall affecting the quality.

Murugan, a farmer from N. Jega Veerapuram said that farmers who had cultivated shallots in the region were unable to earn any profit, and that everyone are affected by the low prices.

He added, “During the corresponding period last year, the shallots were sold at ₹75 to ₹80 per kg. However, this year it has been slashed to ₹25 to ₹35, affecting the livelihood of every farmer.”

Noting that the farmers had spent easily around ₹30,000 per acre for the cultivation and harvest of shallots, Mr. Murugan added that they made only ₹7,500 to ₹10,000 per acre, with a significant loss.

“Shallots are highly perishable. Farmers want to sell their produce hastily even at low cost, as they fear it may otherwise spoil,” he said.

Mr. Murugan noted that at least an establishment of farmers market in Ettayapuram market would be beneficial for the farmers, as marketing officials determine daily price of agricultural produce.

Varadharajan of Karisal Bhoomi Framers’ Association said that on average the yield for 50 kg onion seeds should provide ten times the produce, but currently it is only five times, leading to inadequate yield and price for the produce.

Speaking to The Hindu, an official from Department of Agricultural Marketing and Agri business said that farmers markets are already existing in Kovilaptti and Thoothukudi. The official added that establishment of another market at Ettayapuram is not feasible due to seasonal agriculture.

“Farmers can approach officials of the Agricultural marketing department. Based on their request shops will be allocated for them in Thoothukudi and the department will also set price for their produce on a daily basis,” the official noted.