Chennai, 24 June (IANS). The season of chili harvesting in Ramanathapuram district of Tamil Nadu has ended, but farmers are still struggling with the effects of unseasonal rains that occurred earlier this year.
Unseasonal rains in December and March have severely affected the crop, causing a decrease in yield and there has been a huge decline in domestic and international exports, according to an estimate, it is between 20 percent to 50 percent.
Ramanathapuram is known for cultivation of premium varieties, especially Samba and Mundu, which is spread over 15,000 hectares. However, officials of the Department of Agriculture Marketing and Agriculture Business said that more than 11,000 hectares of area has been affected due to irregular weather, causing a steep decline in both the volume and quality of the yield.
A senior official said, “Farmers usually take 300 to 350 kg of chili crop per acre. In this season, average has reduced to just 200 kg. The loss has affected the quality, causing prices to fall in the market. Last year, the price of chillies was up to Rs 250 per kg. This year, prices are between Rs 120 to Rs 200 per kg.”.
Despite these shaking, some farmers are hopeful. Organic chili farmer and exporter of Kamudhi Block R.P. Radhakrishna said that biologically grown samba and Mundu chilli are still strong in abroad.
He said, “Last year, we had exported about 80 tonnes to countries like America and Germany. This year, due to low yields, we were able to send only 50 tonnes.”
Radhakrishna said, “But with the completion of the crop, we are preparing for the next sowing cycle, which starts in Tamil month Aadi (July). If the situation improves, exports should increase again by the end of the year.”
In view of crop losses, farmers have reiterated their appeal to support the infrastructure. Many people are urging the government to set up air -conditioned storage facilities, which will help maintain the quality of chili and reduce dependence on expensive private warehouses.
Another farmer said, “There is a clear international demand for Ramanathapuram chilli. To remain competitive, we need cooperation for post-harvesting infrastructure and insect-resistant chili varieties.”
-IANS
ASH/KR
