Warangal: A tense atmosphere prevailed at Enumamula Agricultural Market Yard, the biggest one in Asia, in the Hanamkonda district on Monday as chilli farmers tried to lay siege to the administrative office of the market yard, demanding the minimum support price (MSP) for the crop.
Farmers from various places of the North Telangana region brought the crop in large quantities to the market on Monday morning, expecting the highest trading price of Rs 25,000 per quintal.
However, the traders, who have allegedly become a syndicate, cut the price to half the price that was offered on Friday, which angered the farmers demanding an explanation from the traders for the sudden fall in the price. But, the traders did not budge and decided to conduct the auction of the crop at the reduced price 'fixed' by them. Raged by this, the farmers did not allow them to continue the auction and staged a road blockade in front of the market yard.
N. Suresh, a chilli farmer from Wardhannapet mandal, alleged that two days ago, the Wonder Hot chilli variety was sold at Rs 25,000 per quintal and the ‘1048’ and ‘5531’ varieties were traded at Rs 15,000 and the Teja variety at Rs 20,100.
Expecting the same prices, farmers brought chilli in large quantities to the market on Monday. But, the traders colluded with the market officials and suddenly reduced the price of all varieties including Wonder Hot at Rs 15,000 per quintal, 1048 and 5531 varieties at Rs 8,000 and Teja at Rs 12,000 per quintal, he added.
After being informed, the market officials, along with police, reached the spot and convinced the protestors to clear the road blockade, to which the farmers shifted their protest to the administrative building, alleging the prices had been reduced by the ‘syndicated’ traders with the connivance of the officials, which was illegal.
Later, the officials promised the farmers that they would hold discussions with traders and decide the suitable price for the crop to ensure no losses for both.
