Prices of vegetables in the city have been rising
Picture used for representational purpose. (PHoto: DC/file)
Chennai: Rising vegetable prices in the state are due to various factors, including absence of proper transporation and storage facilities, lack of farmer-oriented initiatives and movement of farmers to other professions, say agriculture experts.
Since last month, the prices of vegetables in the city have been rising and traders say that the trend will continue as they see less load coming to the market from producing states. As on Saturday, tomato prices remained high at Rs 55 a kg, the same since two weeks.
Ecologist and soil biologist Sultan Ahmed says, “Over years, a vicious cycle has been created where transportation and protection of the produce has been overlooked. Previously, it was a zonal mode of consumption that was encouraged where farmers nearby produced for the local market. But with the PDS system, we are in contact with a large number of consumer items.” He adds, “Absence of proper storage and initiatives of increasing shelf-life by processing is not happening, causing farmers losses.”
John Williams, head of the School of Etymology and Centre for Natural Resources Management, Loyola College, says, “Shrinking of agricultural land, decrease in yield and movement of farmers to other professions are the primary reasons.” Jeychandran a farmer, confirmed the scarcity of labour.
( Source : dc )
Next Story
