Turmeric Farmers in Hingoli, Maharashtra Face Market Challenges
In Hingoli, Maharashtra, farmers known for their turmeric production are facing difficulties due to unpredictable market prices. Despite dedicating ten months to nurturing their crops, they often remain unaware of the selling price until harvest time.
Challenges Faced by Farmers
Farmers in Bhandegaon village express their struggles with market volatility. A price above Rs 10,000 per quintal is needed for profit, but anything below results in losses. One farmer shared that after ten months of hard work, he saved only Rs 20,000 last year. Despite discussions with leaders for fair pricing during elections, their concerns are ignored post-elections, leaving them financially uncertain.
Hope for Better Prospects
Farmers are hopeful that the upcoming Baba Saheb Thackeray Haridra Research and Training Center will improve turmeric prices. Devidas Laxman, a farmer, highlighted the drastic price fluctuations, with rates once reaching Rs 18,000-Rs 19,000 per quintal, but dropping to Rs 5,000 last year. Without a price regulation mechanism, farmers are at the mercy of market changes.
Additional Challenges
Shivaji Champat Rai, another farmer, expressed frustration over challenges like power shortages, despite good rainfall benefiting the crop. With the harvest expected in March, farmers are anxious about potential low prices due to higher yields. Rai emphasized the need for fair pricing and urged the government to address their concerns.
Doubts Revealed
Hingoli -: Hingoli is a district in the state of Maharashtra, India. It is known for its agricultural activities, especially turmeric farming.
Turmeric -: Turmeric is a spice that comes from the turmeric plant. It is commonly used in Indian cooking and has a bright yellow color. It is also used for its health benefits.
Quintal -: A quintal is a unit of weight commonly used in India. It is equal to 100 kilograms.
Baba Saheb Thackeray Haridra Research and Training Center -: This is a center that is being set up to help turmeric farmers. It aims to provide research and training to improve turmeric farming and help farmers get better prices for their produce.
Power shortages -: Power shortages mean there is not enough electricity available. This can make it difficult for farmers to use machines and tools that need electricity, affecting their work.
