Farmers deprived of fair prices as regulated market remains dormant in TN
Farmers in Perambalur are concerned about the inactive agricultural market, which has been closed for five years due to poor publicity and a lack of auctions. Despite the state government’s proposal for a new market in Poolambadi, farmers urge the revival of the existing facility to ensure fair pricing. Cotton and millet farmers continue to sell below the Minimum Support Price (MSP).
PERAMBALUR: Even as the state government has proposed a new regulated agricultural market at Poolambadi in the district, farmers have raised concerns over the existing facility in Perambalur town, which has remained inactive for five years. It was intended to ensure fair prices for farmers through a transparent auction system.
However, due to “poor publicity” by the Department of Agri-Business and Marketing, auctions have ceased, forcing farmers to sell their produce to private traders at lower prices, rue farmers. In its agriculture budget presented on March 15, the government proposed setting up a new regulated market at Poolambadi, 32 km from town.
“The government should first revive the existing facility and restart auctions before setting up a new market elsewhere,” Tamil Nadu Farmers Association district president N Chelladurai told TNIE. He pointed out that cotton farmers, in particular, struggle with lower yields and the absence of a fair pricing mechanism.
“For years, we have had to sell cotton to traders in Thuraiyur or Salem at prices below the Minimum Support Price (MSP) due to the non-functioning market. Transport costs add to our burden,” he said. Last year, 76,000 hectares of maize, 5,000 ha cotton, and 330 ha millets were cultivated in the district.
While maize farmers currently receive fair prices, those cultivating cotton and millets are forced to sell below the MSP. The MSP for cotton is Rs 7,121 per quintal, but market rates hover around Rs 5,500 per quintal. S Ragavan, a farmer from Perambalur, said he planted maize on three acres this year and received a fair price due to lower yields.
“But we still rely on middlemen. If the regulated market functioned properly, we could get the MSP every year without intermediaries,” he said. “My brother, who had been cultivating millet for six years, has switched to maize this year due to a lack of profit,” he added.
When contacted, an official from the Department of Agri-Business and Marketing said, “We create awareness through pamphlets and other means, but farmers are not bringing their produce to the market. If they do, we are ready to facilitate auctions by inviting traders from other districts. The market is open daily.” The old market on Vadakkumadevi Road in Perambalur was established in 1987.
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Source : The New Indian Express
