Excess Production Forces Punjab Farmers To Sell Capsicum At Rs 2 Per Kg

Around 2,000 farmers from 15 villages in the Mansa, Bathinda, and Firozpur districts of Punjab are facing severe losses due to the low prices of capsicum in the market. Gora Singh, a farmer and union leader, stated that this year's capsicum prices are the worst ever, forcing farmers to sell their produce for as low as Rs 2 per kg, which does not even cover their input cost. A few farmers staged a protest by spilling their capsicum on the road to show the actual price of the vegetable to people in the cities.

When officials from the horticulture department and private vendors were contacted to understand the situation, they explained that capsicum from all states have flooded the markets, leading to a massive drop in prices. Additionally, unpredictable weather conditions have resulted in the produce from all capsicum-growing states reaching the markets at the same time.

For example, West Bengal, which usually harvests capsicum by February, had close to no rainfall this year, resulting in the plucking season continuing and coinciding with Punjab's. This has led to an excess of produce in the markets, causing prices to plummet.

Private vendors in Mansa, who collect produce from the farms and transport it to the mandis in Delhi and West Bengal, said that capsicum from Uttar Pradesh was also flooding in, exacerbating the situation. Furthermore, Haryana, which usually sends its produce late, has started harvesting early this year, further contributing to the oversupply of capsicum in the market.

The farmers have only two choices: either let the crop rot in the fields or sell it at low rates. Surinder Pal, a contractor for Ambala-based vegetable vending company CND, stated that farmers in all states are not getting the rates they usually get every year. However, if they sell the produce, they will at least make some money.

In conclusion, the oversupply of capsicum in the market due to unpredictable weather conditions and produce from all capsicum-growing states reaching the markets at the same time has resulted in low prices, causing losses for farmers. The situation highlights the need for better management and coordination among farmers, officials, and vendors to avoid such market gluts and ensure fair prices for farmers.

Source-The Print

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