Middlemen Exploit Paddy Farmers Amidst Weather Woes

Tirupati: Paddy farmers in Nellore district are experiencing a double blow with the change in weather conditions. The prices of grain have dropped and, taking advantage of intermittent rainfall over the past week and the lack of proper storage facilities, middlemen and millers are colluding to drive down prices, they alleged.

The situation is particularly dire in Kovvur, Buchireddypalem, Sangam, and surrounding mandals, where harvesting began in the last week of August. Despite expectations of good demand due to limited cultivation during the Kharif season, farmers are facing significant losses as middlemen are decreasing the prices, citing inclement weather conditions.

"A week ago, we were getting `23,500 per putti (local measure). Now, it has plummeted to `20,000, and there are talks of further reductions. Middlemen have conspired with rice millers to set prices below the average market rate, citing weather conditions and other factors. The authorities seem indifferent to our plight".

The alleged lack of adequate storage facilities is exacerbating the problem. Although 42 warehouses with a capacity of 500 metric tons each were constructed in the region using NABARD funds, farmers are unable to access them. This forces many to sell their produce at lower prices, unable to store them at home.

"We have no place to store our harvest. Although the state government has built warehouses, they lack proper facilities to store the produce. This forces us to sell at whatever price the middlemen offer, even if it means taking losses,” said Nagendra Naidu, a farmer from Sangam mandal.

Officials from the department of agriculture report that harvesting is 30 per cent complete in Kovvur, 60 per cent in Buchireddypalem, and 40 per cent in Sangam. The remaining mandals are expected to begin harvesting in the next 20 days.

Farmers are calling on the district administration to intervene and ensure fair prices. They also urge authorities to make the existing storage facilities accessible, which could provide them with the option to hold their produce until prices improve.

"We are aware of the situation and will take action against those who are manipulating prices. We will ensure farmers receive the minimum support price for their produce. We will bring the issues faced because of proper storage facilities to the attention of the higher authorities,” said a marketing official.