Vijayawada: Amid concerns among farmers in the district over remunerative prices for their crop produce in the open markets, the NTR district administration has stepped in to address the issue and ensure that farmers receive the Minimum Support Price (MSP) for their produce. Farmers cultivating horticultural vegetable crops such as mirchi, tomato, brinjal, ivy gourd, okra, cucumber, and several other varieties have expressed concerns over increased supply (imports) from neighboring states like Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, and Telangana, which has led to a decline in vegetable prices in the district.
NTR district horticulture officer P Balaji Kumar told TOI that vegetable prices have fallen across the state due to an increase in the cultivation area, resulting in an excess supply of produce beyond demand. This has caused farmers to experience losses while selling their crops. He said, “In NTR district, farmers have cultivated horticulture crops on around 1,000 acres during the current Rabi season. Of these 1,000 acres, drumstick accounts for nearly 400 acres, while crops like brinjal and gourds were grown in the remaining area.”
“Currently, farmers from NTR district will be given first preference to sell their produce at the rythu bazaars and in wholesale markets. Farmers from neighboring Guntur and Krishna districts will be allowed to sell their produce only after the local produce is completely sold,” the official said. He added that this move aims to ensure that no farmer in the district suffers losses and that local farmers can directly access the rythu bazaars to sell their produce.
Vijayawada has seven rythu bazaars, and the district collector has directed the estate officers of these markets to prioritize local farm produce. The horticulture officer also mentioned that farmers have sought 30 days to completely sell off their produce.
