Weeks after chilli farmers in Andhra Pradesh staged protests following drop in market prices, the sudden rain in Guntur and other areas of the district have added to their woes.
To save the chillies from the rain and the possible damage, the farmers were forced to use plastic or tarpaulin covers.
“The untimely rain has compounded our woes. At present, the price for chillies is less than `2,500 per quintal. If our produce is damaged due to the untimely rain and damp weather conditions, we will incur further losses,” Chilli farmer K Satyanarayana of Prathipadu told TNIE.
After the state government reportedly announced Rs.1,500 per quintal compensation and Rs. 6,250 Market Intervention Price by the Centre, there have been a rush of chilli farmers to sell their product.
However, due to lack of space in Sri Nandamuri Taraka Rama Rao Market Yard, chilli produce are now being kept in the open.
“At present, the chilli stocks in the yard are four to five times more than its storage capacity. Traders have started clearing the purchased stocks from the yard. It is advisable for farmers to go to the nearest purchasing centre to sell their produce keeping in view the pre-monsoon rains in the State,” Market yard Chairman M Subba Rao told The New Indian Express.
According to Deccan Chronicle, the highest rainfall of 36.6 mm in Guntur district was registered in Piduguralla mandal followed by Gurazala with 36 mm and 19.4 mm in Prathipadu.
As a result, farmers are reportedly being advised to go to their nearest chilli purchase centres, to avoid long distance inconvenience. The state government have even started five extra purchase centres in different parts of the state.
However, the farmers have been coming to Guntur, in the hope of getting better price.