Chilli prices plummet, farmers suffer big losses: Incessant rains fail chilli crop, last year the price was 2000; Only Rs 800 this year

The condition of farmers in Khergam APMC in Navsari district, the largest market yard for green chillies in South Gujarat, has worsened this year. Excessive rains have led to massive damage to chilli crops leading to a deterioration in quality, resulting in an alarming fall in prices. Farmers who used to get up to Rs 2000 per maund last year, are getting only up to Rs 800 this year, which has hit the farmers hard. High quality chillies from Khergam APMC market are exported in large quantities to states like Mumbai, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan. Since the colour, shape and taste of these chillies are superior to those of other states, their demand is always high. Farmers from Navsari, Tapi, Valsad and Surat districts come here to sell their produce. But this year, the incessant rains have turned the tide on the hard work of the farmers. The quality of chilli crops has deteriorated to such an extent due to excessive rains that even traders are running away from buying the goods. According to the farmers, despite proper maintenance of their crops, they have become helpless against natural calamities. So far, about 500 tonnes of chillies have been recorded in Khergam APMC market. However, due to sub-standard goods, farmers are not getting remunerative prices. Over the last few years, losses due to excessive rains in horticulture and cash crops have become a major problem for the farmers, which is devastating them financially. Jairambhai, who is from Tapi district, says, "We cultivate chillies. Every year we get the price according to the quality of chillies, every year the price increases less in terms of quality, this year the price of chilli has come down a little, we hope that the price of chillies will increase in the coming days and the farmers will benefit from it. Deepakbhai Patel says that due to the rains, the income of chillies has decreased slightly, this time the price of Rs 800 to Rs 900 is not affordable for the farmers.