Red chilli producers faced problems due to various reasons in the year 2024
02-Jan-2025 01:35 PM
In 2024, red chili producers in Khammam, Telangana, faced a range of challenges that significantly impacted their livelihoods. Several factors contributed to the difficult situation:
Cost of Cultivation: The cost of producing red chili rose sharply from Rs 70,000-80,000 per acre in 2023 to Rs 1,00,000-1,50,000 per acre in 2024. This steep increase in expenditure placed a heavy burden on farmers.
Decreased Yield: Adverse weather conditions, insect infestations, and diseases led to a decline in the average yield rate. The yield dropped from 10-12 quintals per acre in 2023 to just 5-6 quintals per acre in 2024, a 50% reduction.
Price Decline: The price of red chili also saw a dramatic drop. In 2023, the price peaked at Rs 22,000 per quintal, but by 2024, it had fallen to Rs 14,000 per quintal. This decline in price further worsened the financial position of producers, who were already facing rising production costs.
Market Pressure: Farmers faced pressure from buyers who were offering very low prices for the produce. While some farmers managed to sell their crops at Rs 19,500 per quintal in 2023, in 2024, they were forced to sell at much lower prices—between Rs 11,000 and Rs 13,000 per quintal.
Shrinking Cultivation Area: The area dedicated to red chili cultivation also shrank due to the financial strain and uncertainties. The sowing area in Khammam district decreased from 1.50 lakh acres in 2023 to 95,000 acres in 2024.
Despite these difficulties, the producers have placed their hopes in the state government, believing that it will step in to provide assistance. However, as of early 2025, there are no clear signs of improvement. While there was anticipation that the cold weather in North India might spur demand for red chili, the market price has remained at the same low level, leaving farmers in a precarious situation.
This combination of rising costs, declining yields, low market prices, and shrinking cultivation areas has made red chili farming a risky and financially unviable venture for many producers. Farmers are now hoping for government intervention to stabilize the situation and provide some relief.