Like any other agriculture produce, aamchur (dry mango wafers) has no remunerative price in the market this year. Low price, almost half of what it fetched last year, and traders’ syndicate has the farmers at the receiving end.
The much publicised e-NAM (electronic national agriculture market) has also failed to come to the rescue of farmers. A number of farmers and contractors bring aamchur to market here from 12 districts in the State because it is the only market in the State. With only three traders purchasing the commodity farmers have no bargaining power and no alternative but to sell at whatever price they fix.
Double the quantity
The maximum price per quintal of aamchur last year was ₹ 28,000. But, this year it fell down even to ₹ 6,000 depending on quality. Initially, when the market began last week on an average it was ₹ 14,000. Since it had brought very promising rate last year farmers brought double the quantity this season.
Surprisingly. even the authorities kept silent in breaking traders’ syndicate and ensuring the purchases online. Besides, kadtha [reduction of quantity in weighing in the name of waste] has also become a major headache to the farmers as they have to forego at least 4 kg product per quintal. Traders are also causing loss to farmers if they want immediate payment. They are reducing eight to 10 rupees less per hundred.
Expressing displeasure at the situation in the market Chellam Bhoopathi Reddy of Kondur in Sirikonda mandal says he was shocked at the rate as it was just ₹ 12,000 when compared to last year’s ₹ 28,000. “I brought three quintals and another four quintals remained at home. I have paid so much to coolies to make aamchur. I have found no margin now,” he says.
Farmers or contractors who take mango trees on contract to prepare aamchur take five months to process the commodity. They pluck mangos, shave off the plum into pieces and dry them after dipping in turmeric and salt solution. They also use mangoes which fell off from trees due to gales and hailstorm.
Erra Laxman, a farmer from Gannaram in Indalwai mandal says he brought 1.5 quintals and is waiting for purchasers. “I got ₹ 25,000 per quintal in the last season. This year it may not give me ₹ 12,000. Along with me 15 farmers brought the crop from my village,” he adds.
